Books

First edition, first impression, of the author's classic man-on-the-run adventure story, described in its introductory note as "that elementary type of tale which Americans call the 'dime novel', and which we know as the 'shocker'". Many adaptations for screen, radio, and theatre have followed in the footsteps of Alfred Hitchcock, whose film version was released in 1935. The story was serialized in the All Story Weekly in June and July 1915 and in Blackwood's Magazine from July to September. It was published here in book form in October. Octavo. Original blue cloth, spine and front cover lettered in black. Publisher's two-page ads at end. Armorial bookplate of Fitzroy Keith Chapman (1871-1953), engraved in 1919 by William Phillips Barrett (1861-1938); "Z" inked on front free endpaper in blue. Cloth a little discoloured, small wear to spine, rubbing to extremities, book block toned and gently shaken. A very good copy. Hillier A32.

The Thirty-Nine Steps is an adventure novel by the Scottish author John Buchan. It first appeared as a serial in Blackwood's Magazine in August and September 1915 before being published in book form in October that year by William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh. It is the first of five novels featuring Richard Hannay, an all-action hero with a stiff upper lip and a knack for getting out of sticky situations.