SEVERY, Melvin L. (1863-1951). The Darrow Enigma. New York: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1904. 8vo. Illustrated. 341 pp. Publisher's full black cloth, front board and spine stamped in red and black, with pictorial paper label of a fingerprint on the front cover, in publisher's unclipped (no price) dust jacket. FIRST EDITION OF THIS EARLY "LOCKED ROOM MYSTERY," IN THE SCARCE DUST JACKET, REVIEW COPY WITH THE PUBLISHER'S PRESENTATION INKSTAMP ON THE FP. Severy was an inventor and scientist, as well as a mystery author, and his scientific expertise is reflected in this rare book. This novel pre-dates the famous "locked room" mysteries by John Dickson Carr by nearly three decades.

Cloth spine a bit rubbed and scuffed, some rubbing to corners and joints, endleaves and edge of text block foxed; jacket spine toned and with a tear at the headcap, jacket toned, edgeworn, somewhat soiled, with occasional marginal tears, chips. Still, very good.