Publication: Toppan Printing Company, 1949, Tokyo
First edition of the Dutch diplomat's first work of detective fiction, a translation of a Seventeenth Century detective story. Illustrated. With a preface by Van Gulik. Published in an edition of 1200 numbered copies signed by Van Gulik. This is copy 315, which is further inscribed "To Dr. F. Kuhn, with the author's best regards, New Delhi, Feb. 1952, Robert van Gulik." A fine bright, sharp copy with pictorial boards lacking the original plain kraft paper dust jacket. Housed in a custom made clamshell case with the design of the book's front cover on the front panel and the title on the spine. A sharp copy.
Inventory Number: 42975