This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2022
GRAINGER, Francis Edward (“Headon Hill”) (1857–1924). The Divinations of Kala Persad and Other Stories. London: Ward, Lock & Bowden, 1895. 8vo. Frontispiece after Stanley L. Wood. Original publisher’s illustrated green cloth stamped in gilt, black, red and white; original printed dust jacket (extremities chipped and toned, inner flaps detached). Provenance: Frank A. Chase (neat signature on front free endpaper). FIRST EDITION, of this groundbreaking detective novel introducing an Indian snake–charmer–seer Kala Persad. This was the first use of a recurring non–white detective in mainstream mystery fiction that was dominated by all European and white fictional characters in the 19th century. Grainger applies the same techniques of pure thinking and intuition that Doyle used for Sherlock Holmes to solve his cases, often finding hidden solutions, patterns and unique twists. In the RARE DUST JACKET not seen before on the market. Only the second copy to appear in the rooms in the past century.