BLACKMAIL OR WAR - with 40 new caricatures by Joss of the Star - A Penguin Special [Third title in the series]

Geneviève Tabouis [Translated from the French by Paul Selver]

Published by Penguin Books, Harmondsworth, Middlesex, 1938

About this Item

Penguin Cat. No. S3 - the third in the series. ***A first printing of the first UK paperback edition - the third in the new Penguin Special series 'books of urgent topical importance published at sixpence within as short a time as possible from receipt of the manuscript' [as stated on the back cover]. First published in English translation by Penguin Books on 25th Feb 1938 with 40 new caricatures by Joss of the Star. Translated from the French by Paul Selver. ***A near fine copy in printed card covers, which have been protected by the original dustwrapper. The covers have some marks and creasing commensurate with age and handling - but in this case, these are negligible - probably the cleanest pre-war Penguin paperback that we have handled [please see scans]. No reading creases to the spine. No tears. No fading. Internally the book is also in near fine condition, with unmarked pages which have tanned lightly over the years. No inscriptions. ***In a very good original printed dustwrapper which, unusually, does not have the 6d published price on the front panel, but has the price on the bottom corner of the front flap. The fragile paper dustwrapper is largely complete, with some wear and rubbing at the folds and the edges, but no major loss, just some slight loss at the top and tail of the spine. The spine of the dustwrapper is slightly browned and marked. The flaps are very clean and uncreased. ***246 pages plus a complete list of Penguin Books to April 1938 at the back of the book. 182mm x 112mm. ***'Mme Tabouis is diplomatic editor of L'?uvre, the well-known French newspaper, and has personal contacts with most of the leading European political figures. In this remarkable book, which she finished at the beginning of January this year, she sets out what she considers the real basis of the present trends in the political game. It is mostly a study of dictators and their methods, which consist of a system of blackmail levied with the threat of wholesale warfare if it is not paid. The danger is that sooner or later when, without encountering any opposition, they have gained a set of positions which they consider strong enough to make British and French action of no avail, Germany and Italy may plunge into that "relentless and overwhelming war" of which carefully prepared plans are stored away in the records of the German and Italian Foreign Offices. Mme Tabouis, who with her important connections can lay her finger on the nerve-centers of diplomatic life behind the scenes, comes to an optimistic conclusion.' [Quotes taken from the front and back cover, repeated on the dustwrapper] ***The Penguin Special series was created for topical interest on contemporary political and social issues. S1 "Germany Puts the Clock Back" by Edgar Mowrer was issued in Nov 1937. The initial print run of 50,000 books sold out in four days. The series achieved very large sales figures, and since Penguin's war-time paper rationing was based on pre-war usage, this greatly helped to sustain Penguin Books during the period of the Second World War. A total of 145 Specials were produced during the war until the end of 1945. A new series of 'Specials' returned to the shelves with the publication of S156 "The Case for Communism" in Feb 1949. A few of the earlier books were designated 'Pelican Specials' with a blue and white cover, and some found their way into the main Pelican series marked with an 'A'. [Courtesy of the penguinfirsteditions website] ***A beautiful near fine example of the third Penguin Special [S3], printed before the outset of war, and retaining a complete original dustwrapper. Uncommon in such clean and unworn condition. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc. Seller Inventory # PB259

Bibliographic Details

Title: BLACKMAIL OR WAR - with 40 new caricatures ...

Publisher: Penguin Books, Harmondsworth, Middlesex

Publication Date: 1938

Binding: Original Wraps

Illustrator: Joss [Caricatures]

Condition: Near Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

Edition: First UK Paperback Edition