The Oppenheim Omnibus, Clowns and Criminals by E. Phillips Oppenheim (First Edition), 1931. 🕵️‍♂️🤡📜

1. Introduction 📜🔍

The Oppenheim Omnibus, Clowns and Criminals, a landmark collection of early spy and crime fiction. Published in 1931, this volume is a sought-after collectible from the "golden age" of espionage literature. It is a one-of-a-kind item that is not only a thrilling read but also a tangible piece of literary history.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

This omnibus collects some of E. Phillips Oppenheim's most thrilling short stories and novellas, all centered on the theme of espionage and international intrigue. The book is a masterfully written work that showcases the author's ability to create complex plots and intriguing characters. The narrative is a blend of adventure, mystery, and political commentary, capturing the spirit of a time when the world was in the midst of global change. This volume brings together several of his shorter works into a single volume, making it a great introduction to his writing.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Edward Phillips Oppenheim (1866-1946) was a prolific and celebrated British novelist known for his spy thrillers. He published more than 100 novels and countless short stories, earning him the title of the "prince of storytellers." He was a pioneer in the genre of spy fiction, and his work was highly influential on later authors like Ian Fleming and John le Carré. This omnibus is a testament to his knack for crafting thrilling and unforgettable tales of international intrigue.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1931, this book appeared at a time of post-war uncertainty in Europe. The modern concept of the spy was just beginning to emerge, and Oppenheim's work helped to define the genre. The book's themes of secret agents, international conspiracies, and political intrigue resonated with a public that was grappling with the rise of new world powers and a changing global landscape. This book is a valuable cultural touchstone that provides a fascinating look into the social and political anxieties of the era.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a perfect fit for a collector of early 20th-century literature, a fan of spy fiction, or a bibliophile specializing in early genre novels. Its status as a first edition makes it a non-replicable item for a collection focused on the evolution of modern literature. The book's historical significance and its place as a key work by a master of the genre will appeal to a collector who seeks not only a great read but also a piece of literary history.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This edition of The Oppenheim Omnibus, Clowns and Criminals is a rare and highly sought-after first edition. Its value is derived from its status as a classic work of spy fiction and the scarcity of first editions in good condition. A first edition with its original dust jacket can be quite valuable, and this book represents a strong item for a collector.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book shows signs of wear and age, as is to be expected for a book of its era. The covers have some minor scuffing, but the binding is sound, and the pages are clean and well-preserved. There are no major tears or markings.

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book does not contain any personal inscriptions, which is often desirable for a collectible of this type. Its value is derived from its intrinsic quality and a perfect state of preservation, exactly as it was intended to be received by the original reader.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• Oppenheim's work was highly influential on Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond.

• The book was published in 1931, a year that marked the beginning of a new era of espionage in Europe.

• Oppenheim's novels were so popular that they were often made into films.

• This book is an omnibus, meaning it collects several of the author's shorter works into a single volume, making it a great introduction to his writing.

10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: The Oppenheim Omnibus, Clowns and Criminals

• Author: E. Phillips Oppenheim

• Year: 1931

• Publisher: Blue Ribbon Books, Inc.

• Place of Origin: New York, New York, USA

• Format: Hardcover

• Edition: First Edition

• Rarity: Rare