Item #013134 Seven Footprints to Satan (Signed & Inscribed First Edition). A. Merrit, Abraham.
Seven Footprints to Satan (Signed & Inscribed First Edition)

Seven Footprints to Satan (Signed & Inscribed First Edition)

New York: Boni and Liveright, 1928. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. Item #013134

8vo., 310pp. Solid First Edition, with "B&L" monogram on copyright page and no statement of printing. Merritt's classic mash-up of crime novel and supernatural horror story though the true nature of the criminal mastermind is obscure. Bound in original brown cloth with titles in red on front board, with staircase motif, and on spine. Square, tight and clean throughout with a touch of toning to page edges but no foxing. Some mild wear to edges and tips. Expert restoration to repair cloth at the crown and heel though there is some slight loss to spine lettering as can be seen. Hinges repaired. Lacking scarce dust-jacket. Beautifully inscribed and signed by the author on the front end-paper, "Dear Charlie McArthur, With my right hand uplifted to God I swear that this is a hell of a book. Affectionately, Abe Merritt". Though the recipient is unknown, it is clearly a close association of Merritt's. Signed by the author on the front end-paper underneath a stamp stating, "Signed for a Member of the New Fiction Society" First Editions of this title are uncommon in the marketplace, particularly in nice condition. There are a plethora of reprints, some very well done in colorful jackets that are uncommon in their own right. A bit of luster has been expertly put back on this copy and signed or inscribed copies are impossible to find. Interestingly, the Boni & Liveright edition has "Seven" on the front board, spine and half-title page but "7" on the title page. (Currey, p.317; ISFDB, Clute & Nichols - Encyclopedia of Science Fiction p.800).

Price: $595.00