John D. MacDonald

Bright Orange for the Shroud

originally published:
Greenwich : Fawcett Gold Medal
1965

We offered this copy of the first American hardcover edition in our Catalog 80.

reference info

bio notes:
born: 7/24/1916
died: 12/28/1986
born as: John D. MacDonald

American author of mystery and science-fiction novels and short stories. He is best remembered for his series of 24 crime novels featuring Travis McGee. - Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature (Actually, there are only 21 McGee titles; the editors of Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature were possibly confused by MacDonald's non-McGee "color" titles.)

Collecting tips:

MacDonald was the archetypal "paperback writer," and many of his books appear only in that form. His most eagerly collected books are the books in the Travis McGee series (each of which had a "color" in the title), which generally appeared first as paperbacks, then usually in hardcover in the UK, and finally as American hardcovers. For all that, the American hardcovers (in effect the third appearance of most of the books in the series) are still the most desirable. My opinion of the relative scarcity of the McGee's, at least in the American hardcovers is as follows (we revise our opinion from time to time, but currently they are): Darker Than Amber (1970), Pale Gray for Guilt (1971), Dress Her in Indigo (1971), Bright Orange for the Shroud (1972), and The Quick Red Fox (1973). His novel The Executioners (1958), basis for the movie Cape Fear is hard to find in nice condition. Also, the UK hardcover editions of books that were not published in hardcover in the US can command a premium, especially if in fine condition.

We also offer a comprehensive John D. MacDonald Bibliography and Price Guide.