Dennis Wheatley; Murder Off Miami; 1936 first edition dossier, 1979 facsimile, and 1986 book publication
A distinctive three-volume grouping centred on Dennis Wheatley's Murder Off Miami, illustrating the evolution of one of the most inventive crime publications of the twentieth century. First issued in 1936 as part of Wheatley’s celebrated "crime dossier" series, the original edition was designed as an interactive investigation, presented in a box of loose papers, maps, photographs, letters, and clues which the reader was invited to examine and assemble in order to solve the case - an unusually immersive format that set it apart from conventional detective fiction. The later facsimile (1980) faithfully recreates this pioneering format, while the 1986 book publication presents the narrative in a more standard bound form, offering a useful contrast between the original concept and its later adaptations. Together, the three volumes provide a compact but engaging overview of Wheatley's innovative approach to crime writing and the enduring appeal of this highly original work.
Comprising 3 versions of Murder Off Miami:
Dennis Wheatley Presents a New Era in Crime Fiction; A Murder Mystery Planned by J.G. Links; Murder Off Miami:
- 1936 first printing, published for the Crime-Book Society by Hutchinson & Co. (Publishers) Ltd., London, 1936. Made and printed in Great Britain by Fisher, Knight & Co., Ltd., Gainsborough Press, St. Albans. Stated first edition with Publisher's printed note to rear cover (please note - this is generally described as being from 1936 due to the date on the documents in the book, although in Webb & Bower's 1986 book they describe it as being issued in 1937);
- 1979 facsimile edition - a very close reproduction of the first edition. Published by Hutchinson/Webb & Bower (please note - this is generally described as being from 1979, although in Webb & Bower's 1986 book they describe it as being issued in 1980);
- Book version published in Great Britain by Webb & Bower (Publishers) Limited, Exeter, Devon, 1986. First impression of this format. printed and bound in Hong Kong by Mandarin Offset Marketing (HK) Limited.
Condition of the first edition is very good overall - covers are only good (minus), with wear to extremities, with some nicks and some tearing to head of spine. The interior pages are very good with a little age-related wear and retain all the interesting additions such as the bagged hair and match samples. The solution to the mystery is included at the rear and has been opened and resealed with tape remains.
The 1979 facsimile is in near fine condition. There is one small damp stain to lower edges of covers, but interior pages are in lovely condition, and very unusually, the solution at the rear remains present and sealed. Newer opened.
The 1986 book version is in fine condition. Slight cover wear and again the solution at the rear remains sealed and unopened.
A fascinating grouping.
Text in English.
Dimensions:
1st edition and facsimile volume approximately 279mm high x 218mm wide x 20mm deep.
Book version approximately 262mm high x 212mm wide x 22mm deep.
Weight: approximately 2130g (the set - unpacked).