Mr. Polton Explains - (Signed & Inscribed Association Copy)

London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1940. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine/Fine/Near Fine. 8vo., 285pp. Beautiful First Edition with correct "First Printed 1940" stated on copyright page. Bound in blue cloth with titles in navy blue on and spine. Square, tight and clean throughout with a touch of wear to the spine ends and tips but trivial. A hint of off-setting to end-papers. Very well-preserved. Stunning unclipped dust-jacket, (correct 8/3 net on front flap), has some minor expert restoration to front hinge and crown but is barely noticeable. Fresh and bright with no chipping, creases or tears. Very scarce in such high-grade condition. Inscribed, signed and dated, in the year of publication, by the author on the front end-paper, " R.F. Jessup, with greetings and good wishes from his old friend, R. Austin Freeman. Nov. 1940.". Jessup was a noted author of the time specializing in non-fiction books on local British history and architecture. A simply gorgeous collectable copy. (Hubin, p. 351; Barzun & Taylor, Catalogue of Crime #1365, p. 216)). (Inventory #: 016587)