DYKE'S AUTOMOBILE AND GASOLINE ENGINE ENCYCLOPEDIA

Chicago: Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc., 1943. Hardcover. Very Good/Good Plus. This is the now-legendary reference on gasoline combustion engines and anything powered by such engines. As the title page says, "The Elementary Principles, Construction, Operation and Repair of Automobiles, Gasoline Engines and Automobile Electric Systems; including Trucks, Tractors, Motorcoaches, Automotive Diesel Engines, Aircraft Engines and Motorcyles." First issued in 1910, this volume has been the bible for thousands of mechanics, engineers, and do-it-yourselfers ever since. Early editions such as this 20th edition, issued in 1943, have become collector's items since copies tended to receive rough handling from the dirty hands of car owners looking for information on everything from Model T's to Delco electric systems and Oldsmobile hydra-matic transmissions. This copy is about 7 x 10 inches, 1,483 pages bound in light blue cloth-covered boards with title in white lettering in a white-lined box on the front cover and whitle lettering on spine. There are some 4,600 diagrams, pictures, plans and charts as well as 10 fold-out inserts and a pair of indexes with 17,000 line items. The dustjacket's front panel shows black lettering and diagram against an orange background with "20th edition" centered above the diagram. The spine has black and orange lettering on a white background with the original $6.00 price near the bottom. The back panel shows a design of newspaper clippings with "Praise from Those Whose Opinions Count!" The boards show only a small bit of edgewear and light soiling, no tearing, bumping or chipping, not remainedered. Binding is tight and square. The text shows lightly soiled edges, o/w appears complete, clean and unmarked. The dustjacket shows fair amount of wear, especially on edges and corners, with a number of small tears and chipping especially at spine ends. However, dj is still about 95% whole and in one piece with most of the dj's design and lettering intact. Given the rarity of DJs in any condition on this book, combined with the overall excellent condition of the book itself, this is really one for collectors. [Due to its size and weight, this book will require extra postage.]