Jennie Baxter Journalist de Barr, Robert - 1899

London: Methuen and Co., 1899. Canadian Robert Barr (1849-1912) emigrated to England in 1881 and established himself as a popular mystery novelist and friend to the lierati of the day (he was chosen to complete Stephen Crane's novel "The O'Ruddy"when Crane died) This is one of his most interesting works, featuring a "woman sleuth" who gets involved with diamonds, government secrets, and a princess. Listed in Hubin, this is an important book in the development of the mystery genre, and with a minor significance in publishing history. Jennie was the second title issued by Methuen as an "interesting experiment." Under the general title of "The Novelist" they proposed issuing a monthly series by popular authors for the low price of sixpence. The series name was chosen because "Each novel is as long as the average Six Shilling Novel" (the going Edwardian rate). This is a Near Fine copy of the paperbound issue of the First Edition, an extremely rare title.It has been rebound in blue cloth with a black leather spine titled in gilt. Clean text; 128 pages. Unmarked and unfoxed, but with tanning to the margins of the cheap paper (perhaps how Methuen could afford to charge a price of only sixpence?).The original covers are not present; the volume begins with the half-title. Interestingly, the newer endpapers do have spotting.. In an archival plastic protector.. First Edition. Soft Cover. Near Fine/No Jacket. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall.