1944 The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, Illustrated by William Sharp This 1944 edition of The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, published by Garden City, New York, is a beautiful collector’s piece. The book features an exquisite gold gilt pattern on the front panel and along the spine, complemented by teal blue boards with sharp corners. The illustrations by William Sharp bring the story to life, adding visual depth to this classic novel. The uncut textblock, clean pages, and permanent ribbon marker bookmark further elevate this edition. The book spans 444 pages. About the Book: The Moonstone is widely regarded as one of the first detective novels in English literature. The story revolves around the theft of a precious diamond, originally taken from an Indian shrine, leading to a complex tale of romance, mystery, and intrigue. With memorable characters like Sergeant Cuff, Gabriel Betteridge, and a band of enigmatic Indian jugglers, Wilkie Collins weaves a narrative that has captivated readers for generations. About the Author: Wilkie Collins, a close friend of Charles Dickens, was one of the most celebrated Victorian fiction writers of his time. Born in London in 1824, Collins achieved fame with his major novels in the 1860s, including The Woman in White and The Moonstone. T. S. Eliot hailed The Moonstone as “the first, the longest, and the best of modern English detective novels.” Historical Significance: The Moonstone not only marks a high point in Collins’s career but also played a pivotal role in shaping the detective genre, inspiring countless writers and adaptations over the years. Happy to discuss shipping options!