University of California, San Diego, 1977. Hardcover. Fine. The sixth volume issued by The Mystery Library, a rather short-lived 1970s project of the University Extension, University of California, San Diego. This classic spy-thriller, Ambler's fourth novel, was originally published in the UK in 1939 as "A Mask for Dimitrios" and cemented Ambler's reputation as the greatest spy novelist of his generation. It was the basis for a 1944 film starring Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet and Zachary Scott. This copy of the The Mystery League edition is First Edition Thus, First Printing (with complete numberline). Abourt 5 3/4 x 8 1/4 inches, 289 pages including an introduction by writer Elleston Trevor, an annotated bibliograpy by James Sandoe and illustrations by Karl Nicholason. Quarter bound in black faux leather over green paper-covered boards. There is a small graphic, a letter "D" formed using a coffin and a quarter moon, in lower corner of front cover. Gold lettering on the spine. No dustjacket; it is unclear if this edition was issued with/without a DJ. No more than a trace of soiling on text edges, o/w boards and text are complete, clean and unmarked, free of any noticeable flaws. Not remaindered, not ex-library. A collectable copy from a university project that ended after about a dozen volumes.

Synopsis

Eric Ambler is often said to have invented the modern suspense novel. Beginning in 1937, he wrote a series of novels that were touted for their realism, in which he introduced ordinary protagonists who are thrust into political intrigue they are ill prepared to deal with. In the process he paved the way for such writers as John Le Carr?, Len Deighton, and Robert Ludlum. He was awarded four Gold Daggers and a Diamond Dagger from The Crime Writers Association, named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers Association, and was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth. In addition to his novels, Ambler wrote a number of screenplays, including Rebecca , which he collaborated on with his wife, Joan Harrison. Eric Ambler died in 1998.

Reviews

(Log in or Create an Account first!)

Details

Bookseller: H.W. Gumaer, Bookseller (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 005716
Title: A COFFIN FOR DIMITRIOS
Author: Ambler, Eric
Format/Binding: Hardcover
Book Condition: Used - Fine
Quantity Available: 1
ISBN 10: 0891630309
ISBN 13: 9780891630302
Publisher: University of California, San Diego
Place of Publication: San Diego
Date Published: 1977
Keywords: SPY, FIRST EDITION, EUROPE, JOHN BALL, MYSTERY, THRILLER,
Bookseller catalogs: California; Crime; England;

Terms of Sale

H.W. Gumaer, Bookseller

All books subject to prior sale. All books returnable within two weeks for any reason. Please return by USPS (media mail rate) and note the reason for return. All sales subject to applicable taxes.

About the Seller

H.W. Gumaer, Bookseller

This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.

Biblio member since 2005

Canandaigua, New York

Ask Seller a Question

About H.W. Gumaer, Bookseller

H.W. Gumaer, Bookseller, has been serving customers on the internet since 2003. We specialize in modern American and English fiction and in mystery and detective thrillers, as well as art and art history. We also have a growing selection of mid-to-late 19th century history and literature. Nearly all our modern and contemporary books are first editions or otherwise collectable.

Glossary
Frequently asked questions

Glossary

Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:

First Edition: In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
Edges: The collective of the top, fore and bottom edges of the text block of the book, being that part of the edges of the pages of a...
O/W: An abbreviation for otherwise
Fine: A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
Spine: The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....