Publication: J B Lippincott, 1950, Philadelphia
First edition. Signed by the author on the title page. Presentation inscription on the front fly leaf from the author "For Doc Haase - in souvenir of Tia Juana, California streets, Elm, Diver, Dread St., San Francisco, New York, La Mesa, & points north, south, east & west. With the non-homicidal regards of the author. Larry New York, May 12, 1950." Eight short stories that feature Dr. Daniel Webster Coffee, Chief Pathologist at the Pasteur Hospital in the midwestern city of Northbank, and his Hindu assistant, Dr. Motilal Mookerji. Winner of the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award in 1950, for Best Short Story. Queen's Quorum 106 says "The outstanding book of short stories in 1950 was a perfect example of the contemporary blend of medical-mystery-and-scientific-detection. you meet Dr. Daniel Webster Coffee, a hospital pathologist, whose chief criminological weapons are modern laboratory procedures-- in pathology, chemistry, serology, microscopy, and toxicology." Lightly rubbed at spine ends, else near fine in dust jacket lightly rubbed at spine ends and corners. This is a very difficult title, and even more so with both the signature of the author on the title page, and the lengthy inscription on the front fly leaf.
Inventory Number: 27777