Death at the President's Lodging.

£3,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

'This is the best "first" Detective Story that has ever come our way' (Gollancz's blurb on jacket). An unusually good example of the first novel by retired Oxford don J.I.M. Stewart writing as Michael Innes, introducing crime fans to his most famous detective creation, Sir John Appleby. As a prior professor of English, Stewart's novels are often possessed of an erudition and sagacity that make them stand out from their contemporaries. A known scarcity in the original dust-jacket, especially in such condition, and a key work in any detective fiction collector's library. First edition, first impression; 8vo; folding plan of 'St Anthony's College' at end, light spotting to half-title; publisher's cloth, printed dust-jacket, slightly chipped at fore-corners and spine ends, closed split at foot of spine, small closed tear to top edge of upper panel, slight dulling to the yellow of panels and spine, but overall a very good example.

• Printing: first
• Binding: Hardcover

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.