Between the Covers

Hardcover. First edition. Octavo. Two folding maps and two plates. 336pp., [4]pp. ads at the rear. Owner name, foxing at the foredge and endpapers, and ever so slightly cocked with very light wear, else near fine. This novel is often referred to as the first modern spy novel, a fascinating story of suspense and espionage about the dangers that Great Britain was exposed to from the German Navy in the years leading up to the First World War. The protagonist navigates the marshes and channels of northwestern Europe in order to investigate German war preparations. The English-born Childers moved permanently to Ireland after serving in the British Navy in the First World War. When he failed to support the Anglo-Irish Treaty after the Civil War, Childers was executed in the Free State by firing squad. His son and namesake was later elected President of the Republic of Ireland. Filmed at least twice, most memorably in 1979 by director Tony Maylam with Michael York, Jenny Agutter, and Simon MacCorkindale. *Haycraft-Queen* cornerstone.

Item #424360