Various — Selected Novels from the Sexton Blake Library

London, The Sexton Blake Library, 1959 - 1963. First edition. Paperback. A 94 volume collection of various Sexton Blake novels. An unbroken run between volumes 432-526. First editions published between 1959-1963. Sexton Blake is a fictional detective who appeared in many British comic strips and novels throughout the 20th century. He was described by Professor Jeffrey Richards on the BBC in The Radio Detectives in 2003 as "the poor man's Sherlock Holmes". Sexton Blake adventures appeared in a wide variety of British and international publications (in many languages) from 1893 to 1978, running to over 4,000 stories by some 200 different authors. Originally, Blake was created in the vein of earlier 19th century detectives but in the late 1890s, Blake's authors consciously modelled him on Sherlock Holmes. It was not until 1919 that Blake took on a more distinctive personality. The golden age of the story papers coincided with Blake's golden age, as he became far more action-orientated than Holmes and duelled with a variety of memorable enemies. In November 1955, William Howard Baker took over as editor of the Sexton Blake Library and, in 1956, introduced a successful update of the Blake formula. The Sexton Blake Library found new popularity with faster-moving, more contemporary stories (often influenced by American pulp fiction). Blake, who had moved a number of times over the years, moved to a suite of plush offices in Berkeley Square (while retaining lodgings at Baker Street) and acquired a secretary, Paula Dane, who became a not-quite-love interest for Blake. Tinker was given a real name, Edward Carter, and Blake's office receptionist Marion Lang was introduced as his female counterpart. In original paper wraps in custom made cloth binders. 9 volumes loose between 504-512. Externally custom binders are generally smart with some bumping, rubbing and marks. Approximately eight volumes per case. Binder for volumes 496-503 with heavy water damage and loss to rear and affecting volumes 503 and 502 with loss. Tidemarks throughout volumes 496-503. Volumes generally very smart with some rubbing, marks and edgewear, heavier to volumes 504-512. Covers still bright. Internally, all volumes generally firmly bound. Some age toning due to paper used but otherwise pages generally clean. Some rust marks from binders, particularly volumes 496-503. Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Good .