AMBLER, Eric (1909-1998) - photo 1
AMBLER, Eric (1909-1998) - photo 2
AMBLER, Eric (1909-1998) - photo 3

AMBLER, Eric (1909-1998)

Lot 192
10.07.2024 10:30UTC +00:00
Classic
Starting price
£ 7 000
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 1249713
Lot 192 | AMBLER, Eric (1909-1998)
Estimate value
£ 7 000 – 10 000
AMBLER, Eric (1909-1998)
The Dark Frontier. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1936.
Presentation copy of the first edition of Ambler’s debut book. The Dark Frontier is significant for introducing many of the themes and techniques Ambler would refine in his later novels. It showcases his emerging style, characterized by a blend of suspense, political commentary, and psychological complexity, and even contains elements of science fiction, including a prediction of nuclear weaponry. The father of the modern thriller novel, Ambler greatly influenced the works of John Le Carré, who referred to him as 'the source on which we all draw'. The recipients of this copy were the writers and translators Alan and Felice Harvey. Ambler had worked with Alan at an advertising agency before committing to writing full time. They would later be the dedicatees of Ambler’s finest novel The Mask of Dimitrios (1939; see following lot).

Octavo. Original blue cloth lettered in black on spine and upper board (spine and edges somewhat faded); original pictorial dust-jacket (spine panel a little darkened, minor stains towards foot of lower panel, a touch rubbed affecting a single letter on spine panel). Provenance: Alan and Felice Harvey (presentation inscription from the author on verso of half-title: ‘To: – Alan and Felice Martin Harvey with love Eric Ambler’).
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
Preview
10.07.2024 – 10.07.2024
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Email
4FQ.AYGKAGLUQ@FO3G@
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Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase

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