Checkmate. London: Hutchinson & Co., (1890). Pp 416 [12 adverts]. Publisher’s maroon cloth boards, floral motif in blind to upper cover, gilt decoration & lettering to spine. Light shelf-wear & fading to covers, title page cropped along upper margin (text not affected) with ownership inscription. Contents pages in nice bright condition.

First published in 1871, this is an early reprint of Le Fanu’s pioneering detective novel, the first to use plastic surgery and dental records in criminal identification.

“a mystery story which centres on a strange and mysterious man with a disfigurement and a ‘dark’ past which he reveals to no-one.”