New York: Knopf, 1955

8vo, pp. 317. Original vermilion three-quarter boards, lettered in gilt on red to spine. Blind stamped cameo to front panel. Illustrated dust jacket. Leading edge uncut. Corners a little bumped, but a near fine copy in a near fine dust jacket with slight fading to spine.

First edition.

A collection of brief lives of the real-life prototypes for famous fictional characters -- including Dr. Joseph Bell, Conan Doyle's inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.

An excellent copy.