First edition. Nearly fine in blue cloth; in a near fine modestly shelf worn and age-toned dust jacket with minor chipping to the front flap fold. Original $5.00 price still intact to the front flap. This classic collection of critical essays on crime-mystery-detective stories still retains the "Note To The Reader" insert as well as the publisher's "Information Please" card laid in. Includes essays by Chesterton, R. Austin Freeman, Sayers, Starrett, Raymond Chandler, Rex Stout, Ellery Queen, Hammett, and many others. Tall thick octavo. 545 pages.