Seven Keys to Baldpate
Indianapolis: Bobbs–Merrill, 1913. First Edition. Hardcover. 1st edition. His first novel, a bestselling, still hailed, mystery, and the source of 6 films. Rear inner paper hinge deftly strengthened else fine in a 1st printing dustjacket, the flaps blank, the lettering and $1.30 price in gold (a G&D reprint looks similar), 5 pieces of unnecessary tape on the recto, a chip to the front foredge, light wear to the spine’s edges, a scratch to the front panel, but good condition and, despite its flaws, tolerable to most for a 109–year old jacket when it’s such a scarce one on such an avidly sought title. RBH lists one auction sale in jacket since 1975, and that was 20 years ago. FINE / good. Item #767
Baldpate is a summer resort closed for the winter (as to the other seasons, spring always comes too late, and the autumn wind is a Raider). A writer hoping to work alone is given, what he is told is, the only key. Then 6 more keys progressively appear in the hands of unanticipated visitors, none of whom are telling the truth. The cardinal question is, who is orchestrating the events? But that is not the only secret.
Price: $2,000.00