Books

London: Spencer Blackett, 1890. First Edition. Very Good. First edition, second issue with typo "13" for "138" in contents and "w shed" for "wished" on page 56, line 16; "Griffith Farran & Cos. Standard Library" on spine. [Green & Gibson A7 a.i.]. [4], 283, [1] pp. sans ads at rear, as was the case in some copies. Frontispiece by Charles Kerr, on coated paper with tissue guard. Publisher's fine-ribbed dark maroon cloth, decoratively stamped in black with border and floral corner ornaments, lettered in gilt, dark brown endpapers. Very Good with typical darkening to spine cloth, tiny chip to head and wear along foot, corners softly bumped with boards peeking through, top edge dust-soiled, slight cock to spine, prelims slightly askew and front hinge starting, occasional reading smudges. Less rubbing to cloth, sharper gilt than many copies. The second Sherlock Holmes novel, which first appeared in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine. A Haycraft Queen Cornerstone.

The Sign of Four, also called The Sign of the Four, is the second novel featuring Sherlock Holmes written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In this story, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate a complex case involving treasure, murder, and a secret pact among four convicts. The novel is notable for introducing the character of Mary Morstan, Dr. Watson's future wife.

First editions of 'The Sign of Four' can be determined by their publication details—published by Spencer Blackett, featuring a cover with a street scene and the text 'New Edition' typically indicates a later printing rather than a true first edition.