The Sphinx UK First Edition (Reprint)

Graham Masterton. The Sphinx. W H Allen 1983. First Edition. Hard Cover. Good/Near Fine (ex-library). This a reprint of the UK first hardback edition as indicated by the “This edition 1983” and “Reprinted April 1983” statements. Originally published by Star in 1978 as a paperback original WH Allen underestimated the demand for the hardback and reprinted shortly after publication. Black boards with silver blocking to spine, white endpapers (this the original binding not a library rebind). The head and tail of spine are a little crunched/flattened. Being ex-library the book has been read and has a slight lean but the benefits of a sewn book block are obvious here as it still feels securely bound. Pencilled initials, inked price, library stamp, barcode and signs of a pocket removal to the FEP, two inked reference numbers and a small library stamp to the title page, inked name to the rear pastedown. There are no markings on the copyright page and the text block appears clean if somewhat age discoloured as common. The DJ has survived remarkably well; still clean and bright showing just a little light creasing to the spine ends. The front flap has been price clipped and a W H Allen £10.95 price sticker attached (I believe the price was increased between printings – demand and supply eh!). Extraordinarily scarce in any hardback edition and because of the lovely DJ it presents extremely well on the shelf. A really good shelf filler while you wait fifty years for a beauty (I have seen one and know of another – that’s it in over twenty years of collecting! Only thirty more to go):