Dick Francis — To the Hilt

New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1996. First edition. Hardback. An extremely smart, signed, first edition of this mystery novel by British author and jockey, Dick Francis. A signed, first edition of this novel, in the original publisher's bright paper backed boards, with the original, unclipped dust wrapper. This work is inscribed by the author to the half title page, saying 'Joyce & Francis. Hi! Dick Francis' dated December 1996, the year the book was published. Dick Francis was a British steeplechase jockey and author, who won over three-hundred-and-fifty races, including being the champion jockey of the British National Hunt. This history undoubtedly influenced his writing, with novels such as this one dealing with crime in the horse-racing world. Francis depicted crime in this manner to demonstrate that criminals in the world of racing are often seemingly respectable figures. These novels were often narrated by a jockey, trainer or a bookie, to give an inside look into the environment. This particular novel is set in the wild Scottish Highlands, following the story of an eccentric who is summoned hom to London where a mystery awaits him, alongside his dying stepfather. In the original publisher's paper-backed boards, with the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, lovely, with bright colour to the boards. Light bumping to the extremities. Dust wrapper in excellent condition, with light shelf wear. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean. Author's ink inscription to the half title. Fine . Ill.: None. Fine/Near Fine.