The Secret Service in the Late War de Baker, Lafayette C - 1874

Philadelphia: John E. Potter and Company, 1874. "Comprising the Author's Introduction to the Leading Men at Washington, with the Origin and Organization of the Detective Police, and a Graphic History of his Rich Experiences, North and South, His Perilous Adventures, Hairbreadth Escapes and Valuable Services, Etc., Etc." Indeed. Baker (1826-1868) packed a lot into a short life. America's foremost espionage agent, he had a distressing habit of also spying on his bosses, and went in and out of favor. His mysterious death has provided fodder to conspiracy buffs from 1868 until this day. This is a Very Good Plus copy of the First Edition, published posthumously and quite rare (cf. WorldCat). Maroon cloth binding, now more of a reddish-brown, with blindstamped title and design on the boards, gilt lettering on the spine. Corners are moderately bumped and there is wear to the head and foot of the spine. Many illustrations, frontis portrait of General Baker. Clean text, very bright. No foxing, but there is an occasional stain indication water exposure at some time. 398 pages, with three pages of publisher's adverts. Interestingly, the publisher offers only a 12mo version, although this copy is definitely an octavo! No dustjacket; in an archival plastic protector. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. First Edition.. Decorative Cloth. Very Good Plus/No Jacket. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.