Dick Francis — Nerve

New York; Evanston, Harper and Row, 1964. First edition. Hardback. A signed first US edition of this intriguing novel set in the horse-racing world, written by celebrated jockey and author Dick Francis.  This first US edition of celebrated author Dick Francis' second novel 'Nerve' is signed by the author, his signature from the 1999 edition of 'Whip Hand' tipped in to the title page. The novel follows Rob Finn, a jockey who witnesses a fellow jockey commit suicide in the parade ring before a race, with Finn eventually forced to undertake some sleuthing to uncover a mystery that begins to unfold as more jockeys find themselves targeted by all sorts of troubles. Dick Francis was a RAF pilot during WW2, a successful steeplechase jockey, and crime writer, whose works deal with crimes in the horse-racing world, producing more than 40 best-sellers. First US edition, in unclipped dustwrapper. Author's signature from the 1999 edition of 'Whip Hand' tipped in to the title page. An exciting and suspenseful work, Francis' 'Nerve' explores trouble amongst a fascinating world the author knew so well. In the publisher's original hardback binding, with unclipped dustwrapper. Externally, very smart, with some minor fading to the spine, and only very minor shelfwear to the head and tail of the spine and extremities. The dustwrapper has some age-toning, handling marks to the covers, shelfwear to the head and tail of the spine and extremities, and some inscriptions to the rear fold. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean with some age-toning and handling marks throughout. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed/Very Good.