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Set of Two Detective Book Club volumes: Eberhart, James, Allbeury, Johnston, Ferrars, Simenon
The Detective Book Club, produced by Walter J. Black, Inc., was a popular series that provided readers with a steady supply of mystery and detective novels. Launched in the 1940s, this book club was known for publishing condensed versions of three mystery novels in a single volume, offering readers a variety of crime and detective stories in a convenient format. These compilations were typically hardcover books, making them durable and collectible.
Walter J. Black, Inc. was a publishing firm that specialized in producing book series and book club editions, and the Detective Book Club was one of their most popular offerings. The club operated similarly to other book clubs of the time, where subscribers would receive new books periodically. This model of distribution was particularly appealing to avid readers of mystery and detective genres, as it ensured a regular and diverse stream of content.
The books selected for the Detective Book Club covered a broad range of mystery and detective stories, from classic whodunits and police procedurals to thrillers and noir fiction. These selections often included works by well-known authors in the genre, as well as introducing readers to emerging writers. The club played a significant role in popularizing mystery and detective novels among the American reading public.
While the Detective Book Club is no longer active, its publications are cherished by collectors and enthusiasts of the genre. The club’s format of combining multiple novels in one volume was innovative for its time and provided a unique way for readers to discover a wide array of mystery and detective stories. The Detective Book Club series remains a notable part of the history of mystery literature publishing.
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1982: Adventures in Immortality: A Look Beyond the Threshold of Death
Adventures in Immortality: A Look Beyond the Threshold of Death is a thought-provoking exploration of the afterlife and the concept of immortality. The present book club edition was published by McGraw-Hill Book Company in New York in 1982, is numbered on the back dust jacket cover as 1504 and spans 182 pages.
The black hardcover volume is in near fine condition, with the book body appearing to have never been read in full. The dust jacket shows some signs of wear, including rubbing and a trace of a price sticker on the back.
The book delves into the mysteries of what lies beyond death, offering a unique perspective on the concept of immortality and the afterlife. It raises thought-provoking questions and explores various philosophical and spiritual ideas surrounding the topic.
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1968: Treasury of Atrocious Puns, by Bennett Cerf
The Treasury of Atrocious Puns by Bennett Cerf is a collection of witty and humorous puns published by Harper & Row in New York in 1968. This 125-page red hardcover volume features a book block in excellent condition with a deckled fore-edge, while the dust jacket shows minor signs of wear with some tearing and rubbing along the edges and spine. The book is a delightful and entertaining read for anyone who enjoys wordplay and clever jokes. With its well-preserved condition, this vintage edition would make a valuable addition to any humor or literature collection.
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1953: More Than Human, by Theodore Sturgeon
More Than Human, written by Theodore Sturgeon and published by Farrar Straus & Giroux in New York in 1953, is a classic science fiction novel that explores the concept of human evolution and the potential of collective consciousness. This book club edition, numbered 2155 on the back of the dustjacket, spans 186 pages and is presented in a hardcover volume in fine condition, almost as good as new. The dustjacket shows minor tears along the top and a small spot from a price sticker in the top right corner.
With its thought-provoking plot and exploration of key themes such as identity, connection, and the nature of humanity, More Than Human is a must-read for fans of contemporary science fiction.
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1965: Prime Minister’s Daughter, by Maurice Edelman
Prime Minister’s Daughter by Maurice Edelman is a thought-provoking political novel set in 1960s England. Published by Random House in New York in 1965, this 246-page book offers readers an insightful exploration of power, family dynamics, and the complexities of political life.