Douglas Sladen - The Crystal and the Sphinx - Stanley Paul & Co., nd [1924], Signed First Edition.

London, Stanley Paul & Co., nd [1924]. First edition, first impression. Hardback. A near fine copy. Inscribed and in the rare jacket. The inscription is presumably from the author who has signed it 'the Sphinx'. The jacket is complete and a superb copy. "Science-fantasy adventure thriller which involves the search for and discovery of the secret of the source of great energy employed by the ancient Egyptians - a source which turns out to be the atom and the splitting thereof." [Locke, Spectrum III: 74]. One fixed tear around 8mm long and some wear and rubbing to the front flap. Some nibbling to the lower corner of the front flap. Spine tips bumped. Douglas Sladen (1856-1947) spent a good chunk of his life in Australia and was the University of Sydney's first professor. [11572, Hyraxia Books].