This is a 1943 edition of "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins. Published by The Press of The Readers Club, this volume features a foreword by Alexander Woollcott. The book is a sound acquisition for a collector of classic detective fiction and historical book club editions.
The book is an example of the English detective novel genre. This volume is a verifiable artifact from an era of American publishing.
2. About the Book 📖✍️✨
"The Moonstone" is considered an early and influential example of the English detective novel. The story revolves around the theft of a large diamond, and the subsequent investigation to recover it. The narrative unfolds through multiple narrators, each providing their own perspective on the events.
Collins's work weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and social commentary. The book explores themes of guilt, obsession, and the hidden secrets within a Victorian household.
3. About the Author ✍️🏛️
Wilkie Collins was an English novelist and playwright, known as a pioneer of the sensation novel genre. His work includes crafting intricate plots, developing compelling characters, and exploring social themes within his mystery narratives.
Collins’s works, including "The Woman in White" and "The Moonstone," captivated Victorian readers with their blend of suspense and psychological depth. He is recognized for his use of narrative techniques and his influence on the development of detective fiction.
4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
Published in 1943, this book emerged during World War II. The Readers Club was founded to provide well-made editions of literary classics and significant books to a broad audience, reflecting a societal value placed on literature and culture even during times of conflict.
This book's publication during a period of war is a time capsule of a cultural effort to preserve and disseminate classic works of literature. It represents a period when book clubs were a key part of the American publishing landscape.
5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️
This book is for a collector of classic detective fiction, a scholar of Victorian literature, or a curator of rare book club editions. It is an item for an individual who values a book for its literary and historical significance.
The book appeals to a collector interested in the intersection of classic literature, the history of publishing, and the evolution of a genre.
6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️
This 1943 edition of "The Moonstone" is 82 years old. Its value is in its status as a classic work of fiction and its well-preserved state.
As a book club edition, it is not a rare first printing. However, its history as part of The Readers Club and its classic content make it a sound acquisition for a comprehensive library.
7. Condition 🔎📚✨
Used hardcover edition.
The binding is tight.
The pages are clean and the text is legible.
There is some light shelf wear to the covers, consistent with its age.
There are no personal inscriptions or markings.
8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩
"The Moonstone" was originally published in serial form in the magazine All the Year Round from 1868 to 1869, a popular publishing format during the Victorian era.
The character of Sergeant Cuff in the novel is considered one of the first fictional detectives in English literature.
Alexander Woollcott, who wrote the foreword, was a famous American critic and a member of the Algonquin Round Table.
9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰
Title: The Moonstone
Author: Wilkie Collins
Year: 1943
Publisher: The Press Of The Readers Club
Place of Publication: New York
Foreword by: Alexander Woollcott
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Detective Fiction, Mystery, Victorian Literature
