THE PARSIFAL MOSAIC

New York: Random House, 1982. Hardcover. Very Good/Very Good. The 13th spy-thriller novel of the 27 written by Ludlum himself before his death in 2006, and the first after "The Bourne Identity" bestseller in 1980. Since his death, his estate has published 27 novels by eight different writers under the Ludlum brand. "The Parsifal Mosaic" features Michael Havelock, a deep-cover U.S. government agent, who falls in love with a Soviet double agent and is forced to ovesee her murder on a desolate beach in Spain only to learn, months later, that the murder was an elaborate deception, the first of several he faces as he searches for the truth throughout Europe and the U.S., a truth that could start a third world war. First edition, first printing (as stated, with complete Random House numberline ending in 2). About 6 1/4 x 9 3/8 inches, 630 pages followed by very brief "About the author" note. Bound in black cloth-covered boards with author's name stamped on front cover and gold lettering on spine. The dustjacket is also black, with gold and blue lettering with photo of Ludlum on back panel. Boards show some minor stains and a touch of wear at edges and corners. Text shows only slightly soiled edges, o/w complete, clean and unmarked. No tears, creases, not ex-library, not remaindered. Dustjacket shows wear on edges,corners and spine ends, including 1 1/4-inch tear and creasing at top edge of back panel, and dime-sized white area on lower spine where sticker damaged finish. While worn, none of dj's graphics are damaged. Not price-clipped. Overall, a collectable first edition of a Ludlum work which is becoming increasingly scarce. [Due to the book's size and weight, priority/express orders or orders from outside the U.S. will require additional postage.]