First edition, third printing of the bestselling exposé that launched Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer's notorious Confidential series, an influential blend of tabloid journalism, organized crime reportage, vice, political corruption, and urban folklore that helped define postwar American sensational publishing and later inspired both film and television adaptations. 8vo (5.75” x 8”), hardcover with original pictorial dust jacket, 316 pages. Published in 1948—the same year as the first printing—by Ziff-Davis Publishing Company.
Limited mottling to fore edge of boards, not affecting interior. Light bumping to fore edge of pp. 5-18. Light rubbing and chipping to dj, with damp staining to spine, not affecting cloth. Small open tears to bottom edge of dj. 2.5” closed tear to front cover, with three tape repairs towards the bottom. Despite flaws, the jacket retains its striking blue-and-yellow period design and presents well in a protective archival sleeve. A classic artifact of mid-century American crime reporting and tabloid culture.
First edition, third printing of the bestselling exposé that launched Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer's notorious Confidential series, an influential blend of tabloid journalism, organized crime reportage, vice, political corruption, and urban folklore that helped define postwar American sensational publishing and later inspired both film and television adaptations. 8vo (5.75” x 8”), hardcover with original pictorial dust jacket, 316 pages. Published in 1948—the same year as the first printing—by Ziff-Davis Publishing Company.
Limited mottling to fore edge of boards, not affecting interior. Light bumping to fore edge of pp. 5-18. Light rubbing and chipping to dj, with damp staining to spine, not affecting cloth. Small open tears to bottom edge of dj. 2.5” closed tear to front cover, with three tape repairs towards the bottom. Despite flaws, the jacket retains its striking blue-and-yellow period design and presents well in a protective archival sleeve. A classic artifact of mid-century American crime reporting and tabloid culture.
