The Oppenheim Omnibus: Clowns and Criminals by E. Phillips Oppenheim (First Edition), 1931 🕵️‍♂️🎩📖

1. Introduction 📜🔍🤯

This is a rare first edition of The Oppenheim Omnibus: Clowns and Criminals, an early and historically significant collection of short stories by the prolific master of spy and crime fiction, Edward Phillips Oppenheim. Published in 1931, this volume is a unique artifact from the golden age of espionage literature. It is an exceptional item for any serious library focused on genre fiction and the origins of the modern spy thriller.

2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨
A cornerstone of early 20th-century suspense, this book is a captivating collection of tales that showcases Oppenheim's signature blend of thrilling international intrigue and sophisticated social commentary. The stories within feature a cast of characters that includes both “clowns” and “criminals,” exploring the dual nature of spies and high-society figures. Through his intricate plots and clever dialogue, Oppenheim creates a world of deception and high-stakes adventure, offering a window into the espionage genre's foundational elements. As a rare collection of his early works, this omnibus reveals the formative stages of a genre that would later be cemented by authors like Ian Fleming.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker 🇫🇷✍️🏛️
Edward Phillips Oppenheim (1866-1946) was an English novelist widely hailed as the "Prince of Storytellers." A writer of remarkable output, he published over 150 books and countless magazine stories, becoming one of the best-selling authors of his time. His career began while working in his father's leather business, but his literary success quickly allowed him to devote himself entirely to writing. He is credited by many scholars and authors, including John Buchan, as a pioneer of spy fiction. He crafted a glamorous world of international intrigue, populated by dashing noblemen, sophisticated spies, and formidable femmes fatales. His work laid the groundwork for the modern spy thriller as a genre of popular entertainment.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
Published in 1931, this book is a product of a period of global economic and political turmoil. The world was in the throes of the Great Depression, and the shadows of a coming world war loomed. This era was ripe for the escapist adventures found in crime and spy fiction. As a "time capsule" of its era, The Oppenheim Omnibus reflects the public fascination with international espionage, class dynamics, and the blurred lines between hero and villain. It offers insight into the anxieties and fantasies of a society navigating economic collapse and the rise of authoritarian regimes, finding solace in stories of secret agents and clever criminals.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️ This volume is for a curator of crime and mystery fiction, a scholar of interwar literature, or a collector of first editions who appreciates the genealogy of a literary genre. This book speaks directly to the collector who seeks to understand the roots of the modern thriller. It is for those who value the intellectual history embedded in popular fiction and the role of authors like Oppenheim in shaping the landscape of 20th-century entertainment.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️ As a first edition from a widely-collected author, this book is a highly sought-after item. While not a unique find, its status as a First Edition by a genre-defining author makes it a strong literary holding for a collection. It represents a tangible piece of the early history of a massively popular genre. Its status as an omnibus edition containing multiple tales adds to its significance and appeal. The price is a reflection of its age and its value as a genuine article from the dawn of spy literature.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨
This volume is in a good, well-preserved state, a testament to its care over the last century. The hardcover shows the expected wear consistent with its age and use. While the cover has minor scuffing, the integrity of the binding is sound, and the pages are remarkably clean and well-kept, with no signs of toning or foxing. There are no marks or tears, and the pages remain well-preserved. It is an honest and authentic representation of a book that has been enjoyed but also respected as an artifact.

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤
The book does not contain any personal inscriptions, ex libris stamps, or unique bookplates. The content is preserved as originally published, with no additions from a previous owner.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• E. Phillips Oppenheim was a man of his own fictional creation. He became a celebrity who lived a glamorous life of luxury, complete with a yacht and a villa on the French Riviera, mirroring the sophisticated lifestyles of his fictional characters.

• He was so prolific that, at one point, his publishers were releasing new editions of his earlier works to meet the “insatiable demand” for more stories by him. This led to his appearance on the cover of Time magazine in 1927, solidifying his status as a literary star.

• A curious anecdote from his life reveals his writing process: he never used an outline, stating, “My characters would resent it.” This spontaneous method gave his novels their fast-paced, improvisational feel.

10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: The Oppenheim Omnibus: Clowns and Criminals

• Author/Maker: E. Phillips Oppenheim

• Year: 1931

• Publisher/Foundry: Blue Ribbon Books, Inc.

• Place of Origin: New York, USA

• Format/Binding: Hardcover

• Edition: First Edition

• Rarity: Rare