7 FOOTPRINTS TO SATAN. New York: Boni and Liveright, 1928. Octavo, pp. [i-iv] v [vi-viii] 9-310 [311-312: blank] [note: last leaf is a blank], original tan cloth, front panel stamped in red and gold, spine panel stamped in red, top edge stained red. First edition. First printing with "B&L" monogram on copyright page and no statement of printing. A mystery thriller in the mode of Sax Rohmer concerning Satan, an unusual criminal mastermind who rules a band of thieves bound to his service by an elaborate game. The Boni and Liveright edition was reprinted at least twice and the novel was frequently reissued by various publishers in several formats through 1955. "7 FOOTPRINTS TO SATAN, one of Merritt's most financially successful works, appeared in ARGOSY ALL-STORY in five issues in 1927. Based upon Robert Barr's "A Game of Chess," it is his only pure mystery. Although it contains neither the fantasy nor the occult elements that characterize his earlier novels, it is an intriguing tale containing an interesting plot and one of the most sinister villains in mystery fiction." - Foust, p. 48. Clareson, Science Fiction in America, 1870s-1930s 558. In 333. Bleiler (1948), p. 199. Reginald 10068. Hubin (1994), p. 569. Neat contemporary owner's signature dated March 1928 on the front free endpaper. A fine copy in good four-color pictorial dust jacket priced $2.00 on the front flap, with wear and shallow loss at spine ends and corner tips. rubbing along folds, and several closed tears with internal tape mends. (#163209).
Price: $1,000.00
First printing has "B&L" monogram on copyright page and no statement of printing. Second and third printings are so marked.