Double Indemnity (First Canadian appearance, "Liberty" magazine, 1936)

Cain, James M.; James Montgomery Flagg (illus.); Bernarr Macfadden (pub.)

Published by Macfadden Publications, 1936

First Canadian appearance of Cain's "Double Indemnity," originally serialized in 8 US issues of "Liberty" magazine, beginning with February 15 issue, ending with April 4 issue. Each installment illustrated by Flagg, single B/W vignettes, except February 15, with two duochrome illustrations. Canadian issues, with maple leaf logo on the front, released around the time of the US issues.Uncommon publication of Cain's belated masterpiece, a serialize novella boosting his career and eclipsing his first novel, "The Postman Always Rings Twice," credited here next to Cain's name in each installment. The "perfect crime story" was published simultaneously in Canada and possibly the United Kingdom, where Macfadden had offices, but only years later did story find collected publication. Avon published the first separate edition as a digest paperback in 1943, and earlier same year came "Three of a Kind" (Knopf), a hardcover collection of novellas, including "Career in C Major," "Double Indemnity," and "The Embezzler," another of Cain's serialized in "Liberty" (1938). Inevitably, the story was adapted for film by Raymond Chandler, aided by Cain, in the eponymous 1944 film noir gem directed by Billy Wilder, starring Fred MacMurrary, Barbara Stanwick, and Edward G. Robinson. "Liberty" was a high-ranking magazine before WWII, second to "The Saturday Evening Post," at least in terms of circulation, but the production values left something to be desired. Cover art and illustrations were A-list, but paper stock was lightweight, and evidence of aging can almost always be found with these specific issues, perhaps due in part to the 8 million new readers the story fetched. Additionally, a few issues are notoriously scarce, for example the March 7 issue featuring Clark Gable cover; oddly, the first issue (February 15) is often seen. Canadian issues, and British issues (if any), are even more difficult. Included: February 15, March 7, 21 (lacking other 5 issues). All 8.5 x 11.25 inches, saddle-stapled, ~60pp, color wrappers. Very Good overall, light foxing, rubbing, toning, a few bruises, and 2/15 with numerical stamp to front and insect chew to spine not affecting text, 3/7 and 3/21 with wrinkling and brief creases. Seller Inventory # 126674

Bibliographic Details

Title: Double Indemnity (First Canadian appearance,...
Publisher: Macfadden Publications
Publication Date: 1936
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very Good
Edition: 1st Edition