London, Cassell, 1954. First edition, first impression. Hardback. A near fine copy. Inscribed by the author, in which he notes that this is the first copy. Jacket a littled worn, with a few short tears and some rubbing, toning to the spine, and a messy scuff to the lower jacket at the rear, a little bumping to the spine tips and fading to the spine at the boards. John Gloag (1896-1981), wrote science fiction and later historical fantasy, but also was an expert in the field of furniture. [11673, Hyraxia Books].