SHERLOCK HOLMES DETECTED: The Problems of the Long Stories

New York: Drake Publishers, Inc., 1974. Hardcover. Fine/Near Fine. Ian McQueen was an Irish lawyer, who began reading Conan Doyle's stories about Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson when he was ten though it was only later in life, after he became a solicitor, that he one day thought to imagine that Holmes and Watson were only pretending to be fictional characters and had hired Conan Doyle as their agent to edit the stories and find a publisher for them. This led McQueen to study the stories and the police and criminal issues in them from a lawyer's perspective. This book is his analysis and commentary on those issues. First edition, first printing (as stated). About 5 3/4 x 8 3/4 inches, 227 pages including index, select bibliography and notes. Illustrated with 19 reproductions of Victorian era prints Bound in black paper-covered boards with gold lettering on spine. Dustjacket's front panel shows period print of Holmes and Watson against a light green background with title and author in red, black and white lettering. Red and black lettering on spine, with three blurbs on back panel advertising other Sherlockiana issued by Drake Publishing. Boards and text are complete, clean and unmarked with no noticeable flaws or damage. No bumping, no chipping or creasing. Not ex-library or remaindered. Dustjacket's top edges and spine end show only light creasing and surface wear. No tears, chipping or other damage or flaws. A collectable copy. Laid-in is a 4-page, 2-part article: "Was Sherlock Holmes A Mason," appearing in a 1980s issue of "Empire State Mason.