Rare vintage 1st edition SIGNED by author on half-title page "Secret Cargo" by Howard Pease; clean 1931/47 copy, illustrated by Paul 2024 Forster

Howard Pease (1894-1974) was a California native, graduated from Stanford, and a famous writer of adventure stories. Many of his books (including this one) were set on steamships. The author himself worked in the engine room of a steamship over two summers, and at various other times shipped out as a member of the crew on a freighter, searching for new material! His first published work was printed in 1921, and by the end of his career he had twenty-two published novels. He also reviewed books for the New York Times, and taught high school English before serving as principal of an elementary school.

This is a first edition hardcover 2024 copy of "Secret Cargo: The Story of Larry Mathews and his dog Sambo, Forecastle Mates on the Tramp Steamer 'Creole Trade,' New Orleans to the South Seas." The book was written by Pease, and was illustrated by Paul Q. Forster. It was published by Doubleday & Company of New York in 1931. The book is 272 pages long. Note that this copy was signed more than a decade after it was printed, so it was possibly an unsold copy in the author's possession during the intervening time (1931-1947).

Red cloth-covered boards, with black titling on spine. No dust jacket. Binding and hinges are very good. No owner's inscription or internal markings or stains. The author, Howard Pease, signed in ink on the half-title page. The autograph is from 1947. Top corners bumped, minor shelf wear. Slight soiling at center of spine. Overall a very nice copy.

Anyone interested in Howard Pease's works, 20th century adventure writing, or signed 1st editions will love this book! It would be an amazing present for that vintage book person you know, and is certainly one of only a handful of signed 1st edition copies of this title.

I was able to find twelve other works signed by Howard Pease, and the median price for these (none are other copies of "Secret Cargo" I might add) is $150. The high price is $480. My copy, as always, is priced to sell.

Free local pickup is available in Geneva, IL. Free shipping (with tracking) on this item. Thanks for looking!