Francis Iles; Anthony Berkeley Cox — Malice Aforethought

London, Mundanus Ltd, Victor Gollancz, 1931. First edition. Cloth. A very scarce, first hardback issue of this important 'inverted detective story&apos. Written by Anthony Berkeley Cox under the pen name Francis Iles. The first edition of this scarce crime fiction novel written by Anthony Berkeley Cox. The murderer's identity is revealed in the first line of the novel, which provides the reader with insights into the workings of the murderer's mind as his plans progress.  Cox loosely based this novel on the real-life case of Herbert Armstrong and includes elements of Doctor Crippen. Issued under the Gollancz imprint of 'Mundanus' which they produced as a 3/- paperback series in an attempt to initiate a paperback revolution. This hardback edition was published simultaneously with the wrappers issue, as was a library issue. Copies of the hardback edition are extremely scarce. An extremely scarce copy of this important novel. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, very smart. A few light marks to the boards. Bumping to the head and tail of spine. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Scattered spotting to the fore-edge, and heavy spots to the first and last few pages. Otherwise, occasional light spots. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed .