Authorised Murder, Isaac Asimov, Gollancz, 1976 first edition

Isaac Asimov's Authorised Murder presents a curious and entertaining departure from the author's better known science fiction, offering instead a witty and intelligent mystery centred on the world of publishing. The novel follows a publisher drawn into a suspicious death connected with the controversial release of a sensational book, allowing Asimov to combine a traditional detective puzzle with sharp observations on authors, editors and the literary marketplace. Written with the clarity and dry humour that characterise much of Asimov's work, the story provides an engaging example of his versatility beyond the realms of science fiction. This 1976 Gollancz first edition represents the original appearance of the novel in book form.

Authorised Murder; A Puzzle in Four Days and Sixty Scenes, by Isaac Asimov.

Published by Victor Gollancz Ltd, London, 1976 first edition, first impression.

A good hardback with red cloth boards and with gilt titles to spine. Spine with slight skew. The dustjacket is good in the classic Gollancz yellow design - not price clipped, with some toning to top and lower edges, and light wear. Soundly bound. Jacket how housed in removable, clear protective plastic.

Some spotting to endpapers and some scattered spots and usage marks to text and edge of text block. Text is clean and legible throughout.

Text in English.

(vii) + 230pp.