A Little Mad and Purposeless:
The Books of Thorne Smith
In the late 1930s, many people discovered Thorne Smith through the film adaptation of his most popular novel, Topper. In the 1950s, another generation discovered him through the Topper television series. Other readers found Smith through comparisons with P.G. Wodehouse. Wodehouse novels were full of good, clean fun. Smith’s novels were good and fun, but…

Thorne Smith: A Checklist of First Editions
Smith had a short career, and many of his first editions had small printings. All of them are elusive in dust wrapper and can be pricey when found in collector’s condition.

Hey, Babe! The Delightfully Naughty Illustrations of Herbert F. Roese
Even though he only illustrated four Thorne Smith first editions published during the writer’s lifetime, Roese’s drawings are as indelibly associated with Smith as Tenniel’s are with Lewis Carroll. The editors at Doubleday wouldn’t consider publishing a Smith novel without them. Even though Roese’s style is instantly recognizable, next to nothing is known about him personally. He is, perhaps, the best known unknown illustrator of his era.

Books into Film
Piccadilly Jim

Previously in Firsts
1992 – George MacDonald Fraser & Winston Graham;
2002 – W. R. Burnett