Seven Keys To Baldpate.

EARL DERR BIGGERS

Publication: The Bobbs-Merrill Company Publishers, 1913, Indianapolis

First edition. Author's first book. 12mo. Decorated dark blue cloth, titles stamped in gilt on the front cover and spine, [8], 408 pp., illustrated, frontispiece. Illustrations by Frank Snapp.

Encyclopedia of Mystery & Detection says, "A writer makes a $5,000.00 bet that he can finish a story in twenty four hours at haunted, deserted Baldpate Inn, which to his confusion, he finds cluttered with eccentric...and criminal... strangers." This story was adapted into a long-running Broadway play in 1913 by George M. Cohan, who also starred in the play. It has been adapted several times for the screen. This is the author's first book, written before he created his most famous character, Charlie Chan.

Inked gift inscription dated 12/25/1913 on the front free fly leaf, trivial wear to the spine ends else a fine bright copy.