Agatha Christie [and others] - Six Issues of The Story-Teller [containing] Six Miss Marple Stories - Amalgamated Press, 1929-1930, First Edition.

London, Amalgamated Press, 1929-1930. First Edition. First Impression. Paperback. The first batch of Miss Marple stories were published in 1927 in The Royal Magazine. The second batch (offered here) comprising The Blue Geranium, A Christmas Tragedy, The Companion, The Herb of Death, The Four Suspects, The Affair at the Bungalow were published one a month from December 1929 to May 1930. This batch and the first batch are very scarce particularly in individual issues. We can find no sales records, though it is quite a tricky one to track down. These twelve stories, plus a further one, were published in first book form in 1932 by Collins as The Thirteen Problems. Condition is largely very good, with colours remaining bright. There are stains from the staples as usual, some chipping to the spines and a few short tears, some crushing to the spine tips and creasing with rubbing. The 1929 issue is probably the poorest of the batch with some leaves having pulled away from the staples. Still, a pleasing set. And wonderfully rare. [10603, Hyraxia Books].