THE STRANGEST STORY EVER TOLD
NY: Exposition Press, 1953. First Edition. Hardcover. Very Good / Very Good. Item #SHEL1811
1st printing. Black cloth with decorated dust jacket. 46pp. This slight little book is rare. It is sought by collectors from at least two groups: Paranormal and Sasquatch/Bigfoot, plus it is of Alaska interest. It is the author's account of his experience, and other prospectors as well, entering at various times into the panhandle of Alaska wilderness area above Thomas Bay and, in one case, encountering bipedal primates that appear ready to attack. This area was known as "the Devil's Country." Some experiences involved alteration of emotions - crazy thoughts. According to the Preface, the daughter of the author published it after her mother found the manuscript. Apparently the first edition appeared in both a brown cloth and a black cloth with not recognized preference; this copy is the black cloth. The top of each board has some light scratches which are not visible unless looked at from a certain angle of light. The back cover has, also against the light, a kind of oily-looking smudge area that I can't quite identify as an actual stain, although technically it must be. The dj is unclipped and has $2.10 written in ink under the printed price of $2.00. The foot of the backstrip is chipped one-quarter (1/4") inch and there is a double pin hole size chip just a bit up the spine. Couple of minuscule chips top of back panel and edge of backstrip. This book has been reprinted several times, but is almost unprocurable in first edition and especially with the dust jacket. Considering the noted "flaws" I consider this copy "very good."
Price: $816.96