Description
A first edition, first printing ‘The Mysterious Affair At Styles’ published by John Lane in 1921. A near fine book without inscriptions. Some light wear to the edges which are a little rubbed – a touch frayed to the outside of the spine edge. Some slight darkening to the spine. Some light marks to the boards. In very nice condition and exceptionally scarce indeed.
Agatha Christie’s debut novel and the first to feature Hercule Poirot. Set in an English country manor, the story revolves around the wealthy Emily Inglethorp’s sudden poisoning. Hastings narrates as Poirot unravels red herrings, family tensions, and cleverly planted clues to reveal a surprising culprit. Its printing history is notable: first published in the U.S. by John Lane (1920) and shortly after in the U.K. by The Bodley Head (with John Lane) in 1921. Early editions featured different chapter arrangements and endings before Christie standardised the text, making it a foundational work of modern detective fiction.