Love's Lovely Counterfeit

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1942. First Printing. Hardcover. Fine-/Fine. First Edition (so stated) of Cain fifth novel. 8vo: [8],218,[2]pp. Publisher's ruby red cloth, spine and covers stamped in black, top edge stained matching red, other edges rough-trimmed; illustrated dust jacket by Bob Smith, priced $2.00. A superlative example (probably unread), slight fading to top edge, paste-downs stained from binder's glue, else virtually pristine, as is the jacket. A gangster-thriller, tough-guy novel, peopled with hoods, corrupt cops, and crime lords. Written during Cain's Hollywood period (and basis for the film noir "Slightly Scarlet," with John Payne, Rhonda Fleming, and Arlene Dahl), it was one of his first commercial misses, although it's been called "perhaps his most underrated work," which "displays Cain's storytelling at its best." (enotes) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable polypropylene sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).