Brown, Fredric

Thirty Corpses Every Thursday

Belen, NM: Dennis McMillan Publications, 1986. Limited First Edition. Hardcover. Hand-numbered & signed by William Campbell Gault, author of Introduction; also signed by publisher Dennis McMillan. "The palms of my hands were wet with sweat, and I wiped them on my whipcord breeches as I turned into the dark alley leading to the back door of the bus station. I had no business driving this run, because I was scared stiff. Probably the biggest reason for my not backing out was that it would have been too easy. I'd just left Baldy Weston, the local manager. He'd been just too damn sweet about it." (first sentences, "Thirty Corpses Every Thursday," pg. 81) A collection of eight stories including the above-quoted title story by Fredric Brown (1906-1972), the noted American fantasy-mystery-science fiction writer who was an acknowledged precursor & influence-inspiration to Philip K. Dick, Robert A. Heinlein, Stephen King & other acclaimed authors in these genres. Originally published during 1940-1944 in various American pulp detective story magazines, these stories are closest to the old hard boiled-noir category of fiction, with Brown's unique twists & style. With an introduction by William Campbell Gault (1910-1995), an acclaimed & prolific American crime & sports fiction writer who was a contemporary of Brown. Hardcover in illustrated dust jacket, "FIRST EDITION/ Published January 1986" as stated on copyright page; one of an edition of 375 copies hand-numbered & signed by Gault in blue ink at colophon (opposite title page), this is copy No. 175/375. Below Gault's signature is that of publisher Dennis McMillan in bold black ink. A rewarding Brown collectible compilation in its very rarest version. Book in very fine condition with only a touch of wear to edges & corners of blue cloth front, back covers & spine; light spotting to edges of text block esp. upper edge. Interior very fine, virtually mint. Dust jacket very fine with only a bit of rubbing to front, back covers & spine; a few tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same & flaps. Very Fine / Very Fine. [Item #5418]

Price: $75.00