CLOSED CIRCLE.** [Author SIGNED**,Uncorrected Proof copy.]

UK,8vo wraps,Uncorrected Proof copy,SIGNED warmly by GODDARD. [Publication date 4th November,1993. Often of limited availability,the text of a forthcoming book,is printed and bound in softcovers for use by the author,editors,proofreaders and some favoured reviewers.For undecorated printed wraps,with minimal publication data imprinted - the produced/released number of copies would almost certainly be less than 500,and most probably would tend to be around 200 copies.For glossy pictorial illustrated wrappers, produced numbers are often higher than 200,but either have a scarcity to them. Often errors or earlier versions of text appear in these proofs.Versions where the text has changed considerably are obviously considered more desirable by their nature.] NMINT - unread.Includes an instore promo bookmark for the (then) forthcoming signing; date and time - Thurs 15th DEC from 6pm,DILLONS, PLYMOUTH,DEVON. Bright,crisp,clean,sharp-cornered,glossy,wrap-around white background with publisher's repetitive red bantam logo in repeated vertical lines across the whole width of covers,with a double line red+black bordered white panel with capitalised,red-lettered publisher's name,author's other black-lettered name and capitalised,black-lettered title and Uncorrected Proof legend within same panel; a similar coloured+ bordered panel with capitalised black-lettering of publication date+price to lower edge of front's cover. A flat and reading crease-free spine/backstrip with no text,rear cover similarly without text.Negligible shelf-wear to edges and orners - no nicks,tears or splits present.Top+fore-edged bright without ageing/ toning or foxing/spotting; contents bright,tight,clean, solid and sound - no dog-ear reading creases to any pages' corners - unread other than my own collation. UK,8vo wraps,'C' format p/back,author SIGNED, Uncorrected Proof copy,9- 331pp [paginated] includes 18 chapters and an Epilogue; plus [unpaginated] half-title,author's handwritten,bold and expansive signature+dedication to title page,separate blank dedication+ Acknowledgements (to follow) pages,and to the rear,2pp blanks as the final pages. Visually the exterior appearance is exceptional and particularly internally,is also in an exceptional condition/state of preservation and presentation for a book of its 30+ year-old age and nature, i.e an ephemeral paperback Proof copy. It really is an exceptional,exemplary example for its cleanliness, brightness and lack of detracting faults usually associated with decades' old paperbacks.
The year is 1931.The new and luxurious transatlantic liner Empress of Britain is on her eastward passage. Among the first-class passengers on board are two English confidence tricksters,making a discreet exit from a little awkwardness they have left behind them in the United States.A chance meeting on deck brings them a tempting new target in the shape of Miss Charnwood and her niece,the beautiful Diana,only child of the immensely wealthy Fabian Charnwood.
It's a trick they've pulled before,with some success. Charm the daughter into an engagement to marry, then get the father to buy you off.So confident are they of success,in fact,that they make a pact: whichever of them wins Diana Charnwood's love will share his fortune with the other.
Who would imagine that these smooth operators would let their hearts rule their heads? Or that violent death would find its way into their neat little scheme? Or that they would stumble into something much darker and deeper than either had suspected? Want more Robert GODDARD titles? Please search my SIGNED,MODERN FIRSTS and MODERN FIRSTS2 catalogues for either SIGNED and/or unsigned UK,HB +dw/dj,1st edn titles by him. Please contact seller @ rpaxtonden?blueyonder.co.uk. ,because of the value of this item,for correct,insured shipping/P+p quotes - particularly ALL overseas buyers - BEFORE ordering through the order page!
N.B. ALL buyers please note,stocks' actual shipping/P+p costs are adjusted and any difference is refunded,after order's receipt and before the order's despatch,especially if the item(s) are offered either P+p included/FREE.
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