Thieves' Picnic

Author: Leslie Charteris (born Leslie Charles Bowyer-Yin; 1907-1993)

Year: 1937

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton Limited

Place: London

Description:

316+[4 advertisement] pages. Small octavo (7 3/4" x 5 1/4") bound in original publisher's pale blue/blue-gray cloth with titles and markings stamped in black on the spine and upper cover in original pictorial jacket priced at 7/6 (7 shillings and 6 pence) on the spine. First edition.

The story was first serialized in The American Magazine in May 1937 before being published in book form later that year by Hodder & Stoughton. The British first edition published by Hodder and Stoughton actually preceded the United States edition (published by The Crime Club) in 1937.

Thieves' Picnic is a 1937 mystery-adventure novel written by Leslie Charteris. It features his famous, suave, Robin Hood-esque crime fighter Simon Templar, universally known as "The Saint". Set against the glamorous, sun-soaked backdrop of 1930s California, the story follows Simon Templar and his companion, Patricia Holm, as they uncover an emerald-smuggling ring run by the ruthless Dr. Jacob Trelawney. The plot weaves through high-stakes poker, yacht chases, and classic pulp thrills. The eighteenth Saint novel in the series.

Condition:

Inner gutters over opened at title and back ads. Spine dulled, slight fraying to spine tips and corners, extremities rubbed, gently bumped corners. Jacket with light edge wear, some rubbing to hinges and fold over panel edges, some light soiling. repairs and restoration to head and foot else about very good in like jacket.