HANK JANSON FIRST EDITIONS AT
ASH RARE BOOKS
43 HURON ROAD
LONDON SW17 8RE
UNITED KINGDOM

London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition : the variant with the coloured advertisement for the never published “Blonde Dupe” on the lower wrapper. The most notorious and most scrutinised of the books in the 1954 obscenity trial, with Heade at his very best on the front cover, with a tenderness sometimes lacking. Evidently based on James M. Cain’s “The Postman Always Rings Twice”, it is thought that the outline of the plot was supplied to Frances by Geoffrey Pardoe (Holland p.299). “Powerfully evokes the claustrophobic little café” (John Fraser).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 128pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a braceleted Heade blonde in lilac and an agony-or-ecstasy pose; slight tear and tiny scuff to spine; price alteration sticker on upper wrapper; a few slight marks; text lightly tanned, but a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in any major library worldwide. Williams and Holland 41.

£75

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition : the variant listing six “Fourth Series” titles (and two “Specials”) on the lower wrapper. The most notorious and most scrutinised of the books in the 1954 obscenity trial, with Heade at his very best on the front cover, with a tenderness sometimes lacking. Evidently based on James M. Cain’s “The Postman Always Rings Twice”, it is thought that the outline of the plot was supplied to Frances by Geoffrey Pardoe (Holland p.299). “Powerfully evokes the claustrophobic little café” (John Fraser).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 128pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a braceleted Heade blonde in lilac and an agony-or-ecstasy pose; minor wear at head; short split at foot; a few slight marks, but a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams and Holland 41.

£75

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London : New Fiction Press, [1953]. First edition : a secondary issue, with the advertisement for “Nyloned Avenger” on the lower wrapper – and without the Anne Shelton ‘Hank Janson Blues’ advertisements on the inner wrappers. “Amok” was first published in May 1953 and “Nyloned Avenger” in August of that year. Condemned man awaits execution, jailbreak with a psychopath and fiancee, etc. – one of the seven Janson books found to be obscene at the Old Bailey trial in January 1954 and subsequently banned. Janson’s publishers, Reg Carter and Julius Reiter, were given heavy fines and each sentenced to prison for six months – and although it is entirely possible that 100,000 copies were printed the book is now extremely rare. When Janson (Frances) himself came to trial in February 1955, he was acquitted on the grounds that some of the seven books (which Janson generally dictated rather than wrote) may have been written in whole or in part by the editor, Geoffrey Pardoe, who had died shortly after “Amok” was published in May 1953.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 143,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – an unsigned design but plainly by Reginald Heade (1901-1957) – bosomy and startled green-eyed brunette in clinging yellow; very lightly rubbed; staples rusting; upper wrapper a little creased; prelims lightly yellowed, but a good copy of a difficult title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 47.

£75

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London : New Fiction Press, [1953]. First edition : a secondary issue, with the silhouette and list of titles on the lower cover now giving fifty numbered Janson titles and five specials – three being flagged as still in preparation. With the Anne Shelton “Hank Janson Blues” advertisements on the inner wrappers. Condemned man awaits execution, jailbreak with a psychopath and fiancee, etc. – one of the seven Janson books found to be obscene at the Old Bailey trial in January 1954 and subsequently banned. Janson’s publishers, Reg Carter and Julius Reiter, were given heavy fines and each sentenced to prison for six months. When Janson (Frances) himself came to trial in February 1955, he was acquitted on the grounds that some of the seven books (which Janson generally dictated rather than wrote) may have been written in whole or in part by the editor, Geoffrey Pardoe, who had died shortly after “Amok” was published in May 1953. The book was reissued under the title “Fireball” by Roberts & Vinter in 1960.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 143,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – an unsigned design but plainly by Reginald Heade (1901-1957) – bosomy and startled green-eyed brunette in clinging yellow; some light wear at extremities; lightly marked and a little creased; staples rusted; a few small flaws, but a good copy of a difficult title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£50

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London : New Fiction Press, [1949]. First edition. “She was just about mad enough to tear me into pieces, but sufficiently ladylike to confine herself to spoken criticism ... She went on cussing me out for almost three minutes without using one single cuss word. Most of the words had three or four syllables and lots of them I didn’t understand, but she used them with helluva lotta meaning”. Hank in Oregon – the penultimate book of the first series of Janson titles – the subject of forty-nine local authority destruction orders – and both Frances and a local bookseller were fined in Blackburn for publishing it and selling it (Holland p.126). Later republished under the Roberts & Vinter imprint as “Outcast” in 1961.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 124,[iv],[2]pp. Original stapled pictorial wrappers – a design by Reginald Heade of hands tightening a chain round the neck of a sumptuously endowed strawberry blonde; an indifferent copy – worn, nicked and creased; chipped at head and tail; rear wrapper defective and lacking a strip of over an inch (3cm) at head, with some loss of text; a few spots; staples a little rusted, but a serviceable copy of an uncommon title. Just three copies (Bodleian, British Library, and Trinity College, Dublin) located in major libraries worldwide.

£25

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London : New Fiction Press, [1951]. “Fifth edition”. “She was just about mad enough to tear me into pieces, but sufficiently ladylike to confine herself to spoken criticism ... She went on cussing me out for almost three minutes without using one single cuss word. Most of the words had three or four syllables and lots of them I didn’t understand, but she used them with helluva lotta meaning”. Hank in Oregon – a fresh edition of the title first published under the S. D. Frances imprint in 1949 – the strangled Heade blonde of the original edition here replaced by a plain silhouette cover.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original stapled pictorial wrappers – a silhouette design in purple and pink; spine chipped at head and foot, without loss of text; small chips and tears to front wrapper; staples rusting; a few slight marks, but a reasonable copy.

£20

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. “Beneath the sharp moon the desert becomes a silvery, frozen sea, unlimited, unbounded and silently beautiful. Great gleaming stars spangle the blue velvet of the heavens, blazing with a brilliance, wondrous and amazing to those who never before have seen the Southern Cross”. The first and I suspect the scarcest of Janson’s desert trilogy.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 127,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – unsigned but generally attributed to Reginald Heade; half-title neatly excised; slight chip at foot; some minor wear and creasing; prelims and edges a little spotted; staples slightly rusted, but a better than average copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

SOLD

London : Alexander Moring, (1958). First edition. Hank receives a tip-off – an old-fashioned duel at dawn in a park in Chicago – the girl in the flame-red frock “gently moistened her lips, almost as though her mouth was watering”.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 160pp. Original pictorial wrappers; lightly rubbed and a little rolled; price inked on upper wrapper, but otherwise a very good copy. Just two copies (British Library and Bibliothèque Nationale) located in major libraries worldwide.

£20

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London : S. D. Frances, [1951]. First edition. The first book in the third series of Jansons – and the recipient of seventy-six local authority destruction orders by 1953 (Holland p.323) – a record even for Janson. A job interview in the opening pages which brings in discussion of Descartes, Plato, Nietzsche, Hume, Schopenhauer, and the Behaviourists was perhaps not the reason. Later republished under the Roberts & Vinter imprint as “Cool Sugar” in 1960.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a design by Reginald Heade – one of his very best, with redhead in abandon and a filmy green negligee; price adjusted by silvering over the front wrapper; some very minor wear and mild creasing; a few faint marks, but a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£125

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London : S. D. Frances, [1950]. An early reissue of this rare first series title – originally published in June 1949 and here with seven further titles listed, indicating a date of issue early in 1950.
Foolscap 8vo. 127,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a design by Reginald Heade – goggle-eyed blonde in stockings, heels and skimpy blue tied to chair; very lightly used and just faintly rubbed; some mild spotting of edges, but a very good copy. Only the British Library copy located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 7.

SOLD

London : S. D. Frances, [1950]. First edition. The opening theme is one of judicial leniency, public opinion and newspaper responsibility – the book ran up thirty-five destruction orders by the end of 1953 (Holland p.323).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 128pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade blonde in a black negligee surprised at her dressing table; a few slight marks and creases; staples rusted, but a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 22.

SOLD

London : New Fiction Press, [1951]. First edition. The first of the “silver” Jansons – all that can be seen of the original Reginald Heade cover design is a splash of purple sheet, the tip of a shoe and a few hairs from the top of the half-naked brunette’s head. The original artwork (saucy even by Heade’s standards) was silvered over prior to publication on account of increasing attention from the authorities. Later republished under the Alexander Moring imprint as “Don’t Scare Easy” in 1958. “One of the three or four best books by Janson” (John Fraser).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers; lightly rubbed and just slightly worn; a few spots and faint creases, but a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 32.

£40

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. “She’d been sitting at the bar for half-an-hour and during that time she’d ordered and drunk three Martinis. That’s a lot of Martinis for a tight little package to consume in half-an-hour. Especially a dame who’s young as well as cute ...”. The second book in Janson’s fourth series – the subject of twenty-four destruction orders by various local authorities – and one of a number of books that several booksellers on the Isle of Man were prosecuted for selling in July 1953 (Holland pp.133-134).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers in a design by Reginald Heade (1901-1957) – pained redhead in plunging green with blood on her hands; a few slight marks; faint crease on lower wrapper, but otherwise an excellent copy of a scarce title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 38.

£100

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. Second edition : an early reprint of the original 1952 edition – but here with a plain silhouette cover replacing the full-lipped Reginald Heade redhead of the original issue in an attempt to deflect the growing concern of the authorities.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original stapled wrappers – a design in two shades of blue, lettered in cerise; a little worn, creased and slightly chipped; spine repaired and strengthened with tissue; a serviceable copy of a difficult title.

£15

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London : Top Fiction, [1953]. First edition : in the variant wrapper with the blue advertisement for the forthcoming “Silken Menace” on the rear panel. The last book of the fourth series and the first under the Top Fiction imprint – with a theme of a high-class call-girl racket being used to ensnare public officials, the book opens with an unusual corruption trial at which no defence is offered. Top Fiction Ltd. was a new company hurriedly formed by Reg Carter after police raids and seizures at the premises of the Janson publishers, printers and distributors in September 1953 (Holland pp.135-136). Later republished under the Roberts & Vinter imprint as “Secret Session” in 1960.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 142,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a design by Reginald Heade of a brunette in green with pink champagne and a long cigarette holder; some very minor wear; small indentation on front wrapper; staples a little rusted, but overall a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£75

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London : Top Fiction, [1953]. First edition : in the variant wrapper with the coloured advertisement for the forthcoming “Nyloned Avenger” on the rear panel. The last book of the fourth series and the first under the Top Fiction imprint – with a theme of a high-class call-girl racket being used to ensnare public officials, the book opens with an unusual corruption trial at which no defence is offered. Top Fiction Ltd. was a new company hurriedly formed by Reg Carter after police raids and seizures at the premises of the Janson publishers, printers and distributors in September 1953 (Holland pp.135-136). Later republished under the Roberts & Vinter imprint as “Secret Session” in 1960.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 142,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a design by Reginald Heade of a brunette in green with pink champagne and a long cigarette holder; slightly rubbed, worn and a little scuffed and chipped; tiny bruise to fore-edge of opening leaves, but a good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£50

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London : S. D. Frances, [1951]. First edition. Set in Mexico – and said to have a number of autobiographical elements from the author’s own life. The subject of seventy destruction orders from local magistrates across the country (Holland p.323).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – brunette, body, gun – a design by Reginald Heade; some rubbing and wear at extremities, with tiny splits at head; a few minor marks; text a little tanned, but a very good copy of a difficult title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 26.

SOLD

London : New Fiction Press, [1953]. First edition : the variant with the colour advertisement for “One Man in his Time” on the lower wrapper. The final book in Janson’s Persian trilogy – “Mada herself will face the anger and punishment of her just but merciless father”. Evidence adduced at Janson’s trial suggests that the book may have been written in whole or in part by Geoffrey Pardoe (1890-1953). The book concludes with a 6pp “Personal Letter” from Janson to his readers on the subject of science fiction and his forthcoming book, “The Unseen Assassin”.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 142,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade design of an exotic and bejewelled brunette from the harem; lightly rubbed; a few faint marks, but a very good copy. Williams & Holland Specials C.

£75

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London : New Fiction Press, [1953]. First edition : the variant with the Heade colour advertisement for the never-published “Woman Trap” on the lower wrapper. The final book in Janson’s Persian trilogy – “Mada herself will face the anger and punishment of her just but merciless father”. Evidence adduced at Janson’s trial suggests that the book may in fact have been written in whole or in part by Geoffrey Pardoe (1890-1953). The book concludes with a 6pp “Personal Letter” from Janson to his readers on the subject of science fiction and his forthcoming book, “The Unseen Assassin”.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 142,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade design of an exotic and bejewelled brunette from the harem; slight chips at head and tail; front wrapper creased and lightly worn; a few faint marks; text very slightly tanned; but a good copy. Williams & Holland Specials C.

£50

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London : New Fiction Press, [1953]. First edition : the variant with the silhouette advertisement on the lower wrapper, listing fifty-five Janson titles, four still in preparation, and the Anne Shelton “Hank Janson Blues” adverts on both inner wrappers. The final book in Janson’s Persian trilogy – “Mada herself will face the anger and punishment of her just but merciless father”. Evidence adduced at Janson’s trial suggests that the book may have been written in part by Geoffrey Pardoe (1890-1953). The book concludes with a 6pp “Personal Letter” from Janson to his readers on the subject of science fiction and his forthcoming book, “The Unseen Assassin”.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 142,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade design of an exotic and bejewelled brunette from the harem; wrappers lightly worn and slightly creased, but overall a very good and sound copy. Just three copies (Bodleian, British Library, and Trinity College, Dublin) traced in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland Specials C.

£50

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London : S. D. Frances, [1950]. First edition : a variant with the final “About the Author” page not numbered. Interesting not least for a fascinating tongue-in-cheek passage at the end of the first chapter where a forward young woman lectures Hank on spanking, perversion, frustration and sublimation.
Crown 8vo (19cm). (128)pp. Original pictorial wrappers – a design by Reginald Heade – willowy redhead at her dressing-table looks over her shoulder at a hatted man caught in her hand-mirror; slight wear to edges and tips; staples rusted; rear wrapper slightly creased, but overall a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 17.

SOLD

London : S. D. Frances, [1951]. First edition. A tale that begins with black-market penicillin (with a sideline in cocaine) and includes a fiendish if improbable character known as Torquemada. The penultimate book in Janson’s second series – and the subject of forty-two destruction orders by various local authorities (Holland p.323).
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a typical Reginald Heade design of manacled blonde in wisp of purple and golden sandals – a variant with the price in yellow rather than white; a little light wear and creasing; lower wrapper a little spotted; a few slight internal marks and spots, but a very good copy of an extremely scarce and fragile production. Only the British Library copy located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 23.

SOLD

London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. Interesting in bringing into the plot the Basque game of Fron-Ton (pelota). Although the original Heade artwork (bosomy redhead in state of undress) was replaced before publication by a slightly toned-down but very knowing strawberry-blonde (again from Heade – see Holland pp.90-91) – the novel still managed to be the subject of eleven local authority destruction orders (Holland p.323). The penultimate book in the Third Series – later republished as “Lose This Gun” under the Alexander Moring imprint in 1958.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers; some minor wear and slight creasing; a few slight marks, but a very good copy. Just two copies (British Library and National Library of Scotland) located in major libraries worldwide.

£100

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. Interesting in bringing into the plot the Basque game of Fron-Ton (pelota). Although the original Heade artwork (bosomy redhead in state of undress) was replaced before publication by a slightly toned-down but very knowing strawberry-blonde (again from Heade – see Holland pp.90-91) – the novel still managed to be the subject of eleven local authority destruction orders (Holland p.323). The penultimate book in the Third Series – later republished as “Lose This Gun” under the Alexander Moring imprint in 1958.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers; lightly worn and slightly creased, with some short splits and a small tear to the lower wrapper; text faintly tanned in places, but a good copy. Just two copies (British Library and National Library of Scotland) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 35.

£75

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London : New Fiction Press, [1951]. First edition. The first of the Janson titles to appear under the imprint of Reg Carter’s New Fiction Press. The new publisher’s attitude was cautious and the already printed original Heade artwork was abandoned prior to publication in favour of a plain silhouette design. Later republished under the George Turton imprint as “Bad Girl” in 1959.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 124,[iv]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a silhouette design in green, yellow and red; lightly used, with a little rubbing, slight wear and light creasing; a few faint marks, but a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 29.

£25

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London : S. D. Frances, [1948]. First edition. The scarce third book of the first series – a somewhat gothic tale, reintroducing Patricia Hale from “Lady Mind that Corpse”, with a plot involving madness, incarceration and the opium racket.
Crown 8vo (19cm). (5)-115,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a typical Reginald Heade design of pert, perky and leggy blonde with gloves, ribbons and gun; minor wear and slight creasing; slight nick to lower wrapper; some spotting, mainly of outer leaves and edges, but a very good copy of one of the most difficult titles. Market Bookstall of Lancaster label on upper wrapper and stamp on lower wrapper. Just three copies (Bodleian, British Library and Trinity College, Dublin) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 3.

SOLD

London : S. D. Frances, [1949]. First edition. The tenth book in the series. “I was staying at John Parker’s place in Hollywood and it was a nice set-up. It was especially a nice set-up on account of Beryl ... Me and Beryl were rubbing along nicely together, just like a coupla dry sticks that keep on wanting to burst into flame on account of they’re getting so hot”.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 124,[iv]pp. Oriiginal pictorial stapled wrappers – blonde, gun, heels and stockings – a design by “Ferrari” (Philip Montague Mendoza); some very minor wear and a touch of fraying; tiny nick to rear wrapper; a few slight creases; faint tanning to text, but otherwise a very good copy of an uncommon title. Just two copies (British Library and Trinity College, Dublin) located in major libraries worldwide.

£100

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London : Alexander Moring, [1956]. First edition. Janson in Florida.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 159,[i]pp. Original pictorial wrappers; spine a little tanned; small scuff to upper wrapper; lower wrapper a little marked; text tanned at edges, with some occasional deeper discolouration; a serviceable copy. Just four copies (Bodleian, British Library, Melbourne and Trinity College, Dublin) located in major libraries worldwide.

£20

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London : S. D. Frances, [1951]. First edition : the price altered to two shillings prior to publication by blocking out and overprinting, with some manuscript deletion on the spine. A prisoner is taken to see the governor – and is offered a job. The subject of twenty-three local authority destruction orders (Holland p.323).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a typical Reginald Heade startled and half-naked brunette; some light wear and mild creasing; some light spotting to outer leaves and rear wrapper, but a good copy of a scarce and fragile production. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£75

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London : S. D. Frances, [1951]. First edition. “I’m a hundred years old, I’ve lived a century in a few hours. I’m old enough now to understand my own stupidity, and the stupidity of others”. The last of the Janson titles to be published under his own S. D. Frances imprint.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 124,[iv]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a subdued design by Reginald Heade (1901-1957) – sobbing brunette showing her charms; slight wear at foot; a few spots, but a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£75

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London : S. D. Frances, [1951]. First edition. “I’m a hundred years old, I’ve lived a century in a few hours. I’m old enough now to understand my own stupidity, and the stupidity of others”. The last of the Janson titles to be published under his own S. D. Frances imprint.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 124,[iv]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a subdued design by Reginald Heade (1901-1957) – sobbing brunette showing her charms; a little worn, marked, creased and frayed; lacks rear wrapper; text lightly tanned, but a serviceable reading copy of a scarce title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£25

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. The elusive final book of the third series – an explosion in an apartment block in Chicago – Hank investigates.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade blonde menace points her gun directly at the reader; some rubbing and light wear; occasional mild browning, but otherwise a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 36.

£75

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. Hank picks up an unusual hitchhiker en route to Chicago. Also features fellow reporter Sheila Lang. One of the seven books featured in the 1954 trial – and the subject of eighteen local authority destruction orders (Holland).
Crown 8vo (19cm). (3)-128,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a baleful, wide-eyed and full-mouthed Heade redhead; an indifferent copy – a little worn, creased and split; lacking 4cm at foot of spine; a serviceable copy only. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 42.

£25

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London : S. D. Frances, [1950]. First edition. A nicely observed murder tale that commences with a failed playwright turned theatre-critic – and a party at the house of the successful playwright who has undermined him. The book rattled up thirty-two destruction orders from local magistrates. Later republished under the Roberts & Vinter imprint as “Sentence for Sin” in 1960.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers; a saucy blonde wench in lilac lifts her skirts – a design by Reginald Heade; some very minor creasing and edge-wear; more pronounced diagonal crease to lower wrapper; a few slight spots, but a very good copy – the staples clean and without rust. Stamps of Jones the Bookseller of Clitheroe Market on lower wrapper and verso of title-page. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£50

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London : S. D. Frances, [1948]. First edition. The second full-length Hank Janson title, and probably definitive in terms of fully establishing his modes of characterisation, gritty dialogue and overall style. “Sheila was disguised as a boy until another fella tried to strip away her pants. That started a rumpus which involved the important citizens”. The subject of forty-seven destruction orders from local magistrates.
Crown 8vo (19cm). (5)-111,[v]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a leggy blonde in stockings and disarray by Reginald Heade; tiny chip at foot; some creasing to wrappers; staples a little rusted; a few faint marks, but a good and sound copy of an elusive early title. Just three copies (Bodleian, British Library and Trinity College, Dublin) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 2.

£100

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New York : Checkerbooks, (1949). First American edition. First published in London the previous year and the second full-length Hank Janson title – probably definitive in terms of fully establishing his modes of characterisation, gritty dialogue and overall style. The Reginald Heade cover for this edition is in fact the same as that used on the London published “Honey, Take My Gun” (1949).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 96pp. Original pictorial wrappers; spine chipped, with loss at head and tail; some creases, chips, and small tears; a little rolled; short splits to spine folds; text lightly tanned; a poor but serviceable copy. No copy of this edition located in any major library worldwide.

£20

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London : S. D. Frances, [1950]. First edition. “Every year there’s fifty-five thousand people listed as missing in Chicago alone ... That’s why I’m writing this story. The inside story of Judge Pearson. Not the story of what happened to him when he disappeared. But the much more revealing story of what happened earlier and why Judge Pearson disappeared at all”.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – an Amazonian Heade redhead in unlikely attire; small repaired tear to spine; some mild creasing; a few faint marks on rear wrapper, but a good and clean copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Stamp of Greens Milk Bar in Salford on half-title.

£50

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London : S. D. Frances, [1950]. First edition. “Every year there’s fifty-five thousand people listed as missing in Chicago alone ... That’s why I’m writing this story. The inside story of Judge Pearson. Not the story of what happened to him when he disappeared. But the much more revealing story of what happened earlier and why Judge Pearson disappeared at all”.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – an Amazonian Heade redhead in unlikely attire; slightly chipped at foot; some mild creasing and wear; a few faint marks on rear wrapper; faint spotting of edges; some mild tanning, but a good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£40

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London : S. D. Frances, [1949]. First edition. The sixth book of the first series – Janson in Des Moines, Iowa – “She was a dead dame. But that took an awful lot of believing because folk just don’t die that way ... So that started everything, including a lotta misery for June and a live guy winding up in a coffin that was due for cremation”.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). (3)-(126),[iv]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a striking design by Reginald Heade – green-eyed redhead with jade ear-rings shrieks; lightly rubbed and very slightly worn; staples rusted, but otherwise a very good, bright and clean copy. Bookseller’s stamp of James Preston of Blackburn on rear wrapper. Only the British Library copy recorded in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 6.

SOLD

London : New Fiction Press, [1951]. “Sixth edition”. The sixth book of the first series – Janson in Des Moines, Iowa – “She was a dead dame. But that took an awful lot of believing because folk just don’t die that way ... So that started everything, including a lotta misery for June and a live guy winding up in a coffin that was due for cremation”. Originally published in 1949 – but here with a more demure plain silhouette cover replacing the original shrieking Heade redhead.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original stapled wrappers – a silhouette design in purple and pink; lightly worn, slightly split and frayed at tips, but a good, clean and serviceable copy. No copy of this edition located in any major library worldwide.

£15

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London : S. D. Frances, [1950]. First edition. A reporter goes missing – the extraordinary Tania Yaniavitchgrodoski gets in touch.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 126pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Heade brunette in clinging gold; some wear; taped repairs at head and tail; a few creases; text a little tanned, but a good copy of a difficult title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 20.

SOLD

London : New Fiction Press, [1951]. First edition. The second title to appear under the New Fiction Press imprint. The original Heade cover design was abandoned before publication in favour of a plain silhouette, but this was not enough to prevent both author and publisher being brought before the magistrates in two trials at Darwen in the north of England in August 1952 and January 1953. Both pleaded guilty – a decision later regretted – and were given heavy fines (Holland pp.126-130).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – the silhouette design in red, green and yellow; a little rubbed, worn and creased; 6.5cm split to lower joint; text a little tanned; inked tick to half-title; a reasonable copy of a difficult title. Contemporary bookseller’s stamp of Watermans Book Stores, 71 North Road, Brighton, on lower wrapper. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 30.

£30

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. The first book in the fourth Janson series – Sheila Lang comes back into his life. The subject of twenty-two destruction orders from local magistrates (Holland p.323).
Crown 8vo (18cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a full-lipped Reginald Heade brunette with a candle; very faint creasing to spine; a few tiny spots to lower wrapper, but a very good copy indeed. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 37.

£75

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London : S. D. Frances, [1949]. A very early reprint of the elusive fourth book in the first series – printed by the Progressive Press rather than Furnack Ltd. and listing fourteen titles as published. “When gangsters blow a bank and the heat is on, they’re not inclined to stand on ceremony ... Clara learned a thing or two and that’s why she had no regrets”. The subject of twenty local authority destruction orders. Later republished under the Roberts & Vinter imprint as “Rave for a Roughneck” in 1962.
Crown 8vo (19cm). (3)-112,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Heade blonde under restraint – champagne and cleavage; slight wear at foot; slight creasing; a touch of browning; staples rusting, but a good copy of a difficult title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

SOLD

London : Top Fiction, [1953]. First edition : the variant state with the coloured advertisement for “Silken Menace” on the lower wrapper. Set in post-war Bonn and later republished under the Alexander Moring imprint as “Sultry Avenger” in 1959. The second and final book in the fifth series – the last of the pre-trial Hank Jansons – the three further titles announced as being in preparation were never to appear.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 143,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a haughty Heade strawberry-blonde looking down her nose; slight chip at head; a few slight nicks and creases; slightly heavier crease to rear wrapper; staples rusting, but still overall a very good copy of a difficult title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£75

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London : Pendulum Publications, (1946). First edition. His first novel – a fictionalised account of a young man growing up in poverty in South London between the wars – stealing second-hand books, left-wing politics, in Spain with the International Brigade, gambling in Monte Carlo, etc. Produced under the imprint of his own Pendulum Publications, a short-lived but extraordinarily diverse publishing house set up in the closing months of the war. Frances subsequently adopted the “Hank Janson” pseudonym and became almost cetainly the best-selling author in the country.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 158,[ii]pp. Original reddish cloth, lettered across upper cover and spine in black – the author’s name mis-spelt Francis on the upper cover; lightly rubbed and slightly worn and sunned; a few marks, but a good copy of a scarce title.

£500

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London : Roberts & Vinter, (1960). First edition. Suicide of atomic scientist, illicit arms sales, and a modern Mata Hari with a taste for refined torture.
Foolscap 8vo (18cm). 158,[ii]pp. Original pictorial wrappers; a few faint signs of age and use, but a very good copy. Old price inked to verso of front wrapper. Just two copies (British Library and National Library of South Africa) located in major libraries worldwide.

£15

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. The second book in Janson’s Persian trilogy – sold into slavery and the harem, etc. One of the books declared obscene and banned in the January 1954 trial (although re-published under the same title in 1957). At the subsequent February 1955 trial, Frances himself was acquitted on the grounds that some of these books, including the present title, may have been written in whole or in part by the editor, Geoffrey Pardoe, who had died in May 1953. The unsigned slave-girl cover (with floating snake and equally improbable brassiere engineering) is plausibly ascribed to Reginald Heade.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 127,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers; some wear, creasing and slight chipping; some mild bruising and spotting, but a good copy. Just a single copy of this edition (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland Specials B.

SOLD

London : New Fiction Press, [1953]. First edition : the first issue, with the lower wrapper listing forty-four earlier Janson titles, three of those shown as still being in preparation. Published in January 1953 – the subject of twenty-three local authority destruction orders – and one of the seven books featured in the January 1954 obscenity trial of the publishers and distributors. At the subsequent February 1955 trial, Frances himself was acquitted on the grounds that some of these books, including the present title, may have been written in whole or in part by the editor, Geoffrey Pardoe, who had died in May 1953.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 143,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade blonde shrieking over her shoulder; just a hint of use and wear, staples just a touch rusted, but a very good copy indeed. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 44.

£75

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London : New Fiction Press, [1953]. First edition : the first issue, with the lower wrapper listing forty-four earlier Janson titles, three of those shown as still being in preparation. Published in January 1953 – the subject of twenty-three local authority destruction orders – and one of the seven books featured in the January 1954 obscenity trial of the publishers and distributors. At the subsequent February 1955 trial, Frances himself was acquitted on the grounds that some of these books, including the present title, may have been written in whole or in part by the editor, Geoffrey Pardoe, who had died in May 1953.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 143,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade blonde shrieking over her shoulder; lightly worn and rubbed; faint vertical creasing to upper wrapper; cover-price lightly crossed through; staples lightly rusted; some tanning and a few slight marks, but a good and sound copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 44.

£50

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London : New Fiction Press, [1953]. First edition : a secondary issue, with none of the forty-four earlier Janson titles listed on the lower wrapper shown as still being in preparation. Published in January 1953 – the subject of twenty-three local authority destruction orders – and one of the seven books featured in the January 1954 obscenity trial of the publishers and distributors. At the subsequent February 1955 trial, Frances himself was acquitted on the grounds that some of these books, including the present title, may have been written in whole or in part by the editor, Geoffrey Pardoe, who had died in May 1953. Later republished as “Flight from Fear” under the Alexander Moring imprint in 1958.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 143,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade blonde shrieking as she looks backwards; just a hint of creasing to spine, staples just a little rusted, but a very good copy indeed. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£40

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. A reflective and anxious Janson waits for Sadie in a deserted cafe. The first New Fiction Press Janson to risk a return to the exotic Heade covers – although he was apparently asked to tone down the image (Holland p.90). Even so, the book managed to attract twenty-eight destruction orders (Holland p.323). It was later republished as “Don’t Cry Now” under the Alexander Moring imprint in 1957 and as “Delicious Danger” under the Roberts & Vinter imprint in 1961.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 124,[iv]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade design of dreamy beauty in fabulous head-dress and long gloves, with champagne and cigarette; some creasing; spine rubbed and reinforced with tape, but a reasonable copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 34.

SOLD

London : Alexander Moring, [1957]. First edition under this title of the work originally published in 1952 by the New Fiction Press as “Sadie, Don’t Cry Now”. The pose – the long gloves, the cigarette, and the glass of champagne of the original Reginald Heade artwork remain, although much re-worked. The not-so-dumb blonde turns the tables.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 158,[ii]pp. Original pictorial wrappers; just a hint of rubbing, but a very good copy. Just two copies of this edition (Bodleian and Trinity College, Dublin) located in major libraries worldwide.

£25

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London : Top Fiction, [1953]. First edition : the variant with the advertisements for the sheet-music of the Anne Shelton recording (Summer 1953) of the “Hank Janson Blues” on the inner wrappers. The first novel of the never-completed final “Continental” series – a change of scene brings Janson to Amsterdam and an entanglement both with the lovely Helga and a gang of Iron Curtain smugglers. The lower wrapper reproduces the cover of the planned but never published “Perfumed Nemesis”. Later republished under the Alexander Moring imprint as “Silken Snare” in 1959.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 143,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade design of rapturous blonde in clinging blue; some minor wear; a few faint marks; staples a little rusted; lower wrapper lightly spotted; a little bruised, but a very good and bright copy. No copy located in any major library worldwide. Williams & Holland 49.

£100

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London : Alexander Moring, (1959). First edition under this title of a work originally published as “Silken Menace” by Top Fiction Press in 1953. The original artwork by Reginald Heade has been reworked – the hair less abandoned, but the gown now strapless.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 159,[i]pp. Original pictorial wrappers; some very minor wear; lower wrapper with a few spots and faint diagonal crease; text a little tanned, and with faint discolouration in a few places, but a good and serviceable copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

SOLD

London : S. D. Frances, [1949]. First edition. A mystery phone-call from a voice like velvet to the Chicago Chronicle news-desk sets the wheels in motion. The first book in the Second Series – advertised as “the most sexciting best-sellers of today”. The subject of forty-four destruction orders from local magistrates (Holland p.320). Later republished under the Roberts & Vinter imprint as “Prey for a Newshawk” in 1961.
Crown 8vo (19cm). (5)-132pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade blonde bound and gagged; some minor wear; slight mark to spine; diagonal crease and a few other slight creases to front wrapper; staples rusted, but otherwise a very good copy of a scarce early title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£75

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London : New Fiction Press, [1951]. First edition. Janson investigates a strike in Chicago. The Reginald Heade artwork was hastily silvered over prior to publication – all that remains of the cute redhead are her silken sheets. The artwork only finally appeared on the Telos edition published in 2003. The subdued cover notwithstanding, the book attracted twenty-two destruction orders from local magistrates. The book reappeared under the Alexander Moring imprint in 1956 as “Bring Me Sorrow”.
Crown 8vo (19cm). [128]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers, a silhouette in blue on silver overlaying the original design; some minor wear; slight band of discolouration to lower wrapper; a few faint marks; text lightly tanned, but a very good copy of an extremely fragile production. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 33.

£50

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London : S. D. Frances, [1949]. First edition : collates as the British Library copy – the variant printed by the Middlesex & Herts Press. The final book of the first series, published in November 1949 – and the subject of twenty-seven local authority destruction orders (Holland p.322).
Crown 8vo (19cm). (3)-127,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade strawberry-blonde in stockings and wrap fiddles with her suspenders; spine a little creased; some very minor wear; staples a little rusted; a few faint marks, but a very good copy. Just three copies (Bodleian, British Library, and Trinity College, Dublin) located in major libraries worldwide, Williams & Holland 12.

SOLD

London : S. D. Frances, [1949]. First edition. The fifth book of the first series, published in April 1949. Hank admires both Muriel and the statue of a campaigning journalist.
Crown 8vo (19cm). (7)-117,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade blonde kneels in supplication; some wear; slight chips at tips and corners; staples badly rusted; a reasonable copy of a very difficult title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in the world’s major libraries. Williams & Holland 5.

SOLD

London : S. D. Frances, [1950]. First edition. Hank is taken off a big story to fly to St. Louis – there is a reason. The scarce second book of the second series. The book attracted forty-nine destruction orders (Holland. p.322). Later republished under the Roberts & Vinter imprint as “Play It Quiet” in 1962.
Crown 8vo (19cm). (3)-128,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Heade blonde in bonds, heels and little else; some very minor wear to tips and edges; a touch of rusting to staples; a few trifling marks, but a very good copy of a scarce and fragile publication. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£100

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London : New Fiction Press, [1951]. “Sixth edition”. A reprint of the original 1950 publication – the scarce second book of the second series, but the advertisements here extending the list of available titles to “Skirts Bring Me Sorrow” (published December 1951). The original Heade bondage blonde cover has here been replaced by a plain silhouette design. The book attracted forty-nine destruction orders (Holland. p.322). Later republished under the Roberts & Vinter imprint as “Play It Quiet” in 1962.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 124,[iv]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a silhouette design in blue and cream; some very minor wear and spotting; a few faint marks, but a very good copy. No copy of this reprint located in major libraries worldwide – and only the British Library copy of the original edition.

£20

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London : Alexander Moring, (1958). First edition. A newspaper stunt brings together some old-time bootleggers.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 160pp. Original pictorial wrappers; some very minor wear; slight discolouration and creasing to lower wrapper, but still a very good copy. Just three copies (Bibliothèque Nationale, British Library and V&A) located in major libraries worldwide.

£25

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition : a bibliographically complex title – the text appearing in at least three different settings, of which this appears to be the earliest, with the present title still listed as “in preparation” on the verso of the title-page, but in an evidently later printing of the wrappers, listing forty-eight numbered Janson titles and three specials on the lower wrapper – six titles marked as being in preparation. “I replaced the receiver, dug down in my desk drawer for the bottle of rye that helps prevent a guy get moody when everyone else is tucked up nice and comfortable in their warm beds, drew the cork with my teeth and hygienically sloshed the raw liquor around my teeth and gargled with it.”. The book was subject to seventeen destruction orders by various local authorities (Holland p.323).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 144pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a design by Reginald Heade – anguished redhead on a bulky telephone; a little worn, creased and slightly split; neat repair at foot; a few marks, but a good copy of a difficult title. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 43.

£40

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition : a bibliographically complex title – the text appearing in at least three different settings, of which this appears to be the second, prior to the text being squeezed up to end on p.143 to free the last page for an additional advertisement, but with the present title no longer listed as being “in preparation” on the verso of the title-page. “I replaced the receiver, dug down in my desk drawer for the bottle of rye that helps prevent a guy get moody when everyone else is tucked up nice and comfortable in their warm beds, drew the cork with my teeth and hygienically sloshed the raw liquor around my teeth and gargled with it”. The book was subject to seventeen destruction orders by various local authorities (Holland p.323).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 144pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a design by Reginald Heade – anguished redhead on a bulky telephone – the earlier variant listing just two earlier fourth series Janson titles on the lower wrapper; lightly worn and just slightly creased; staples just a touch rusted; tiny snag to lower wrapper, but a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 43.

£50

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London : Alexander Moring, [1957]. First edition. Janson back at the Chicago Chronicle newsdesk – but disillusioned and at a low ebb.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 158,[ii]pp. Original pictorial wrappers – a smart brunette in off the shoulder pink; lightly worn and slightly tanned; final advertisement leaf a little creased; a good copy. Just two copies (Bodleian and National Library of Scotland) located in major libraries worldwide.

£20

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London : S. D. Frances, [1949]. First edition. A scarce “first series” Janson title set in Hollywood – the action switching from studio to marijuana den, and with intimations of the making of a snuff movie. The artwork is here by “Ferrari” (Philip Montague Mendoza) rather than Heade – but still in blonde, body, gun, vein. The novel became the subject of twenty-seven destruction orders by various local authorities (Holland p.322). Later republished under the Alexander Moring imprint as “Situation – Grave!” in 1958.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 128pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers; minor wear at head; a few small creases to upper wrapper; very slightly rumpled, but a very good copy. Neat bookseller’s stamp of James Preston of 25 Blakey Moor, Blackburn on lower wrapper. Just two copies (British Library and Trinity College, Dublin) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 9.

SOLD

London : Alexander Moring, (1958). First edition under this title. Made and printed in France under the Moring imprint, but originally published by Frances in 1949 as “Sweetheart, Here’s Your Grave!” – an early Janson, set in Hollywood – the action switching from studio to marijuana den, and with intimations of the making of a snuff movie.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 160pp. Original pictorial wrappers – a leggy design quite different from that of the earlier edition; lightly rubbed, with some faint creasing; lower panel faintly sunned; text lightly tanned, but overall an acceptable copy. Just two copies (Bibliothèque Nationale and British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

SOLD

London : S. D. Frances, [1950]. [Second edition]. The third book of the second series – a tale of a black man framed for murder, a gangster with a harem of branded women, etc. Originally published earlier in 1950, but here printed by Hollyfield rather than the Bandon Press, and listing twenty-one (rather than seventeen titles) on the verso of the half-title.
Crown 8vo (19cm). (3)-(130)pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Reginald Heade design of blonde displaying ample and highly visible charms; lower wrapper advertising the twelve books of the first series; a little worn; short splits; slight nicks and creases to wrappers; mild tanning of text; a good copy of a scarce and fragile production. Just a single copy (British Library) of this title located in major libraries worldwide.

SOLD

London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. Hank Janson in the mid-west, a story of racial tension cleverly handled. The subject of twenty-one local authority destruction orders (Holland p.323).
Crown 8vo (19cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – pouty and voluptuous redhead in green by Reginald Heade; some minor wear and creasing to spine; a few faint spots to title-page, but a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 39.

£50

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. “Second edition” – a reprint of the original edition published in July 1952 – this issue seemingly dating from later that year and here with the plain silhouette cover replacing the full-lipped Heade redhead of the original issue.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a silhouette design; some minor wear and creasing; short and unobtrusive tear to upper joint, offsetting to blank inner back wrapper; but still a very good copy. Just a single copy of this title (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£20

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London : S. D. Frances, [1951]. First edition. The last of Janson’s second series – the plot building from a nicely observed argument with a waiter. The subject of fifty-eight local authority destruction orders (Holland p.323) – presumably the result of the eye-popping embonpoint of Reginald Heade’s cover. Later republished as “Too Soon to Die”.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – buxom blonde by Heade; spine rubbed and a little worn; some very minor creasing; text lightly tanned, but overall a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 24.

SOLD

London : S. D. Frances, [1951]. First edition : a secondary issue, with the wrappers silvered over and overprinted in a plain and tame silhouette design to deflect the increasing attention of the authorities. The date of this issue can be approximately established by the fact that the underlying wrappers are those of a slightly later Janson title (Milady Took the Rap), published in September 1951 – seven months later than the present title. The last of Janson’s second series – the plot building from a nicely observed argument with a waiter.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm) 126,[ii]pp. Original stapled wrappers – a design in blue and silver overlaying the Heade artwork; spine lightly rubbed and a little puckered; lower wrapper very faintly spotted; a few internal marks, but a very good copy. Just a single copy of this title (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£25

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. “Seventh edition”. The last of Janson’s second series – originally published by Frances early in 1951 – and here with the text reset under the New Fiction Press imprint and with the plain silhouette cover replacing the voluptuous Heade blonde of the original edition.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 127,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a design in orange and red; spine worn and slightly defective, but a serviceable copy. No copy of this edition located in any major library worldwide.

£20

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London : S. D. Frances, [1948]. First edition : a variant on thicker stock and with the price printed on the upper wrapper in blue rather than black. Although Frances had used the Hank Janson pseudonym twice before on unrelated books, this is the elusive first book of the first series of Hank Jansons proper, where author and hero become one – it was also the beginning of his extraordinary collaboration with the cover artist, Reginald Heade (1901-1957). Although published in an edition of 10,000 copies (Holland pp.59-61), the subsequent destruction orders imposed by various local authorities and the notoriety that attached to the 1954 and 1955 obscenity trials have made this a scarce book.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 112pp. Original stapled pictorial wrappers – a fine design by Reginald Heade of an alluring blonde, strapless and with an incredible cigarette holder; a little worn and creased, with some slight chipping; price stamped on upper wrapper; tape-marks on verso of upper wrapper; staples just lightly rusted; a good copy of a difficult title. Only the British Library copy located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 1.

£125

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London : S. D. Frances, [1948]. First edition : a variant with the price printed on the upper wrapper in blue rather than black. Although Frances had used the Hank Janson pseudonym twice before on unrelated books, this is the elusive first book of the first series of Hank Jansons proper, where author and hero become one – it was also the beginning of his extraordinary collaboration with the cover artist, Reginald Heade (1901-1957). Although published in an edition of 10,000 copies (Holland pp.59-61), the subsequent destruction orders imposed by various local authorities and the notoriety that attached to the 1954 and 1955 obscenity trials have made this a scarce book.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 112pp. Original stapled pictorial wrappers – a fine design by Reginald Heade of an alluring blonde, strapless and with an incredible cigarette holder; spine chipped; tape repair to gutter of rear wrapper; some nicks, short tears and creases; staples a little rusted – a reasonable copy of a scarce and fragile item. Ownership inscription on back wrapper. Only the British Library copy located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 1.

£75

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London : S. D. Frances, [1951]. An early reprint of the elusive first book of the first series of Hank Jansons proper. Originally published in 1948, and here with the silhouette replacing the languid Heade blonde of the original issue.
Foolscap 8vo (19cm). 112pp. Original stapled wrappers – a silhouette design in orange, white and black; just lightly worn; slight crease and short tear to upper wrapper; staples rusted, but a good copy. No copy of this reprint located in any major library worldwide.

£20

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London : New Fiction Press, [1953]. First edition. A complex tale of telepathy, grave-robbing, missing woman and suicide. A reference in a footnote on p.18 to Portsmouth’s May 1953 Coronation Ideal Home and Trades Exhibition dates the publication fairly precisely, even if slightly distracting from the Chicago setting.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 142,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – alarmed blonde in golden gown tied by a rope – a design by Reginald Heade; lightly rubbed; staples rusting; small chip to final advertisement leaf, but still overall a very good copy of a scarce title. Just a single copy (National Library of Scotland) located in major libraries worldwide.

£75

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London : S. D. Frances, [1950]. First edition. It begins as a quiet day at the Chicago Chronicle office – “This is a newspaper ... we gotta have news. We’ve gotta keep churning it out” – Hank goes in search of the mystery author of the latest ‘hot’ best-seller and ends in tracking down counterfeit dollar bills. The plot is interesting in incorporating his views on literary censorship and small-town prejudice – precisely the problems he was himself beginning to encounter. The Reginald Heade artwork – half-naked blonde roped to beam – was probably instrumental in drawing forty-one destruction orders from local magistrates (Holland p.322). Later republished under the Roberts & Vinter imprint as “Suddenly It’s Sin” in 1961.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 126,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a Heade blonde tied to a pole; tiny nick at head; some minor creasing and wear; staples a little rusted, but still a very good copy of a scarce book. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£75

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London : George Turton (Publishers), [1959]. First edition. Journalist Hank gets beaten up investigating a spate of industrial strikes and disputes – then a union boss’s secretary comes to see him – “There can be something very revealing about the way a dame puts herself into a chair”. Printed in Paris.
Crown 8vo (18cm). (160)pp. Original pictorial wrappers; a few minor signs of use, but a very good copy. Just two copies (Bibliothèque Nationale and British Library) located in major libraries worldwide.

£20

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London : New Fiction Press, [1953]. First edition : in the earlier variant wrappers, listing six titles as “in preparation” and just three “specials”. Hank Janson of the Chicago Chronicle and the case of a good man turned sour by a false conviction. The book became the subject of nineteen destruction orders from local magistrates and was one of the books featured in the January 1954 Old Bailey obscenity trial – as a result of which both the publisher and distributor were sentenced to prison. This gave rise to a question in the House of Commons as to how many copies had been bought for distribution to the armed services – and the slightly evasive response that a small quantity had been purchased by the NAAFI.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 142,[ii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a sultry blonde in clinging lilac by the incomparable Reginald Heade; lightly worn; small chip and slight split to spine; lower wrapper a little soiled; text lightly tanned, but overall a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library – no longer held in the secret ‘Suppressed Safe’ but still with a ‘Private Case’ shelfmark) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 45.

£75

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. First edition. “The guy was dead. Horribly dead. As dead as a stone gargoyle and just as ugly ...”.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 127,[i]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – a tender Reginald Heade design of a distraught young woman almost in a golden gown; lacks half-title; slight wear at tips; some very minor creasing, but otherwise a very good copy of a scarce book. Just two copies (British Library and Melbourne) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 40.

SOLD

London : George Turton (Publishers), (1959). First edition. The second Hank Janson title to appear under the Turton imprint, although seemingly not one written by the Steve Frances. A beautiful girl is abducted from an American airport – but declines to be rescued by Janson.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 159,[i]pp. Original pictorial wrappers – a sultry brunette in hitched purple skirt propped on the grass; price scratched from upper wrapper, leaving a small, unslightly scuff, but otherwise a very good copy. Just two copies (British Library and Bibliothèque Nationale de France) of this edition located in major libraries worldwide.

£20

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London : New Fiction Press, [1951]. First edition : the variant with the cover silhouette in black and yellow rather than green and yellow. The original Heade artwork for this title was never issued and appears no longer to survive. The subject of twenty-seven destruction orders (Holland p.323). Later republished under the Alexander Moring imprint as “Hate” in 1958.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers; some wear and slight splitting; acid-free tape-repair to spine; wrappers and outer leaves with light water-staining; a serviceable copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 31.

£20

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London : New Fiction Press, [1951]. First edition : the variant with the cover silhouette in green and yellow rather than black and yellow. The original Heade artwork for this title was never issued and appears no longer to survive. The subject of twenty-seven destruction orders (Holland p.323). Later republished under the Alexander Moring imprint as “Hate” in 1958.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers; some minor wear; tiny split at foot; a few faint marks and minor creases, but a very good copy. Just a single copy (British Library) located in major libraries worldwide. Williams & Holland 31.

£25

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London : New Fiction Press, [1952]. ~ “Eighth edition” : an early reprint of the original 1951 edition. Later republished under the Alexander Moring imprint as “Hate” in 1958.
Crown 8vo (19cm). 125,[iii]pp. Original pictorial stapled wrappers – the silhouette design in purple and peach; some minor wear; light creasing; a little spotting, but a very good copy. No copy of this reprint located in any major library worldwide.

£15

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London : George Turton Publishers, (1959). First edition. A Foreign Legion novel written by Frances (Hank Janson) for Reg Carter’s new imprint – and possibly the last novel he wrote for Carter.
Crown 8vo (18cm). 144pp. Original pictorial wrappers; some wear and splitting; a few marks and small creases, but a good copy of an uncommon title. No copy located in any major library worldwide.

£40

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