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www.bestofsherlock.com/unique-hamlet.htm
The Unique Hamlet by Vincent Starrett: A First Edition Census
By Randall Stock, October 15, 2024
Ellery Queen praised "The Unique Hamlet" as "one of the finest pure pastiches of Sherlock Holmes ever written." This short story first appeared as a separate booklet printed for a limited audience. That first edition is now quite rare, and is probably the most valuable Holmes story not written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This census identifies the confirmed existing copies, but please contact me if you know of others.
First Edition Description of The Unique Hamlet
Photo Courtesy of Richard Sveum
Published in December 1920, the first edition of The Unique Hamlet probably consisted of 110 copies issued as two variants. These fragile 40-page booklets are 19.5 x 14 cm. (7.7 x 5.5 inches).
Pagination:
[1] half-title; [2] blank; [3] title; [4] Copyright 1920 by | VINCENT STARRETT || [at lower right] THE | TORCH | PRESS | CEDAR | RAPIDS | IOWA; [5] To | Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | with admiration and apologies; [6] blank; 7-39 text; [40] blank.
Variant 1: Vincent Starrett (10-11 copies)
Plain dark brown boards (see VS1). Spine with typed label: THE UNIQUE HAMLET—STARRETT [running vertically from bottom to top of book]
Title page: THE UNIQUE HAMLET | A HITHERTO UNCHRONICLED ADVENTURE | OF MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES || BY | VINCENT STARRETT || [ornament] || PRIVATELY PRINTED | FOR THE FRIENDS OF VINCENT STARRETT | CHICAGO ILLINOIS AT CHRISTMAS | NINETEEN HUNDRED TWENTY
Variant 2: Walter M. Hill (100 copies, possibly 190-200)
Plain tan (mustard) boards (see WMH1). Spine as above.
Title page: as above, but with FOR THE FRIENDS OF WALTER M. HILL instead of the Starrett line.
Photo Courtesy of Richard Sveum
Notes:
Starrett revised the title for later appearances to "The Adventure of the Unique Hamlet." Pagination does not include a free endpaper at front or back. The sheets are cut at head (top) with uneven fore-edge and tail (bottom). Printed by The Torch Press of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
This census identifies 62 copies of the 1920 first edition of The Unique Hamlet. Libraries hold 28 of them. The University of Minnesota has three copies. The Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, Occidental College, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill each hold two copies.
The first edition consists of two variants: a Starrett imprint and a Hill imprint. Starrett stated that they are both equally first editions with no priority. The Starrett imprint is rarer than the Hill imprint.
For more details on its printing history, see Absolutely Unique: A History and Census of Starrett's Hamlet.
This census records 9 of the 10 copies that Starrett reported with his imprint, as well as unbound copy VS9 that was probably not part of Starrett's count. The Library of Congress holds two with Starrett imprints.
The census lists 52 confirmed copies with the Hill imprint, and 26 of these are held by libraries. Reports on the number of Hill copies range from 90 to 250, but the most likely number at this point seems to be 100.
If you know of any other copies, please contact me. I keep sources and owner identities private upon request.
Details on all copies are based on direct reports to me from the owners or library staff (not catalogs), unless the owner is listed as "not identified." Provenance starts with the first known owner, comes from a variety of sources, and may be incomplete. The census numbers (e.g., VS1) are provided for identification purposes only and do not reflect any specific ordering. Abbreviated dates are in the American form of month/day/year.
VS1. Private collector in Switzerland
VS2. Private collection of Dr. Constantine Rossakis
VS3. Private collection of Glen Miranker
VS4. Private collection of Andrew Peck
VS5. Private collection of Ira Matetsky
VS6. Private collection of Ralph Hall, BSI
VS7. The Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.)
VS8. The Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.)
VS9. Private collection of Dr. Richard J. Sveum
VS10. Private collection of the late William Goodrich
WMH1. Private collection of Dr. Richard J. Sveum
WMH2. Private collection of Peter E. Blau
WMH3. Private collection of Steven Rothman
WMH4. Private collection of the late Dr. C. Frederick Kittle
WMH5. Private collection of Glen Miranker
WMH6. Private collection of Douglas Greene
WMH7. Private collection of Dr. Constantine Rossakis
WMH8. Private collection of Dr. Constantine Rossakis
WMH9. Private collection of Andrew G. Fusco, BSI
WMH10. Private collection of Ralph Hall, BSI
WMH11. Private collection of Ray Betzner
WMH12. Private Collector in Wisconsin
WMH13. Private collection of Bruce Harris
WMH14. Private collection of Roman Wuller
WMH15. Not Identified (Kaye bookplate)
WMH16. Private collection of Andrew Peck
WMH17. Columbia University (New York City, New York)
WMH18. Desales University (Center Valley, Pennsylvania)
WMH19. The Huntington Library (San Marino, CA)
WMH20. Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana)
WMH21. St. Louis Public Library (St. Louis, Missouri)
WMH22. Toronto Public Library (Toronto, Canada)
WMH23. Tulane University (New Orleans, Louisiana)
WMH24. University of California at Berkeley (Berkeley, California)
WMH25. University of California, San Diego (La Jolla, California)
WMH26. University of Illinois at Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)
WMH27. University of Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa)
WMH28. University of Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky)
WMH29. University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
WMH30. University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
WMH31. University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
WMH32. University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
WMH33. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
WMH34. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
WMH35. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, California)
WMH36. University of Texas (Austin, Texas)
WMH37. Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, Illinois)
WMH38. Private collector in Switzerland
WMH39. Private collection of Leslie S. Klinger
WMH40. Folger Shakespeare Library (Washington, DC)
WMH41. Private Collection of Rodger Miller
WMH42. Private Collector in the North of England
WMH43. Private collection of Bruce Grasberger
WMH44. Private collection of Dave Price
WMH45. Private collection of Kurt Zimmerman
WMH46. Occidental College (Los Angeles, California)
WMH47. Occidental College (Los Angeles, California)
WMH48. Private collection of Tich Turner
WMH49. Private collection of Michael Kean
WMH50. Private collection of Todd Warren
WMH51. The New York Public Library (New York, New York)
WMH52. The New York Public Library (New York, New York)
UHX1. York University (Copy Missing)
UHX2. University of Southern California (Copy Missing)
UHX3. Not Identified (Conan Doyle copy) - Hill imprint (Reported)
UHX4. Not Identified (Margolin copy) - Hill imprint (Reported)
UHX5. Various Universities/Libraries (eBook reference)
UHX6. Various Universities/Libraries (reprints)
UHX7. Not Identified (Smith/Epstein copy) - Hill imprint (Reported)
UHX8. Not Identified (Needham/Posnansky copy) - Hill imprint (Reported)
UHX9. Not Identified (Machen copy) - Starrett imprint (Reported)
Confirmed Vincent Starrett (VS) Copies of The Unique Hamlet
All reports indicate that 10 copies with the Starrett imprint were published. However, it's likely that the unbound copy (VS9 below) was not included in that count, so the best estimate at this time is that there are 11 Starrett copies. For more details, see Absolutely Unique: A History and Census of Starrett's Hamlet.
VS1. Private collector in Switzerland
Photo Courtesy of the Owner
Inscribed by Starrett to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on front free endpaper. No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: My Dear Sir Arthur - I am wondering whether, by sending you this impertinence in print, I may not be adding insult to injury! However, I think you know how deeply I admire Holmes (not to mention Saxon, Aylward, Nigel, and the rest of the glorious company), and so perhaps you will only smile at this dubious tribute. It is, at least, well-intentioned, if there be any merit left in that old and furtive apology. Sincerely, Vincent Starrett, 7 Dec. 1920.
Provenance: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (inscription); Conan Doyle family (Adrian Conan Doyle); Swiss book dealer; current owner (acquired 1992).
References: Owner 10/10/24, 2/11/20 & 4/13/10 emails to me; see also copy UHX3. (Last updated: 10/10/24)
VS2. Private collection of Dr. Constantine Rossakis
Signed twice by Starrett on the front free endpaper, once likely in 1920 and then with inscription in 1932. Separate pencil note by Starrett on back cover stating there were 10 Starrett copies and 100 Hill copies produced. Includes bookplate of Willard S. Morse.
Inscribed: For Willard S. Morse, | after twelve years of search! | Faithfully | Vincent Starrett | Dec. 1932.
Provenance: Willard S. Morse (inscription & bookplate); Collector in New England; Rossakis (acquired 2002).
Notes: Starrett inscribed copy WMH35 to Morse in 1929.
References: Rossakis emails February 2020; phone calls, email & postal mail to me June-July 2010. (Last updated: 2/24/20)
VS3. Private collection of Glen Miranker
Inscribed by Starrett to his mother on front free endpaper. No bookplates or other markings. In a worn, light-tan glassine wrapper.
Inscribed: For Mother, | with love, at Christmas, | from the author, | alias | Vincent Starrett | Dec. 1920
Provenance: Margaret Deniston Young Starrett (Vincent's mother; from inscription); private collector in Chicago; Glen Miranker.
References: Miranker 10/10/24, 2/23/20, August 2012 & May 2010 emails to me; Born in a Bookshop by Vincent Starrett. (Last updated: 10/10/24)
VS4. Private collection of Andrew Peck
Inscribed by Starrett on front free endpaper. Bookplate of Thomas B. Costain
Inscribed: For Christopher Millard | With Christmas Greetings | Vincent Starrett | Dec. 1920.
Provenance: Thomas B. Costain (bookplate); Andrew Peck (acquired from bookseller Christian Mattson in the Baltimore area).
References: Peck 10/9/24, 2/3/20 & 8/1/10 emails to me. (Last updated: 10/9/24)
VS5. Private collection of Ira Matetsky
Inscribed and signed by Starrett on the front free endpaper. Bookplate of W. MacDonald MacKay.
Inscribed: Dear MacKay--Warmest greetings at Christmas! Vincent Starrett, Dec. 1920.
Provenance: W. MacDonald MacKay (inscription and bookplate); Richard M. Lackritz (sold via Christie's New York, 17 April 2002, lot 265); Rodney P. Swantko (died 2022, offered from his library via Sotheby's New York, 26 June 2024, lot 12); Ira Matetsky (from Sotheby's private sale, August 2024).
Notes: For photos of this copy and the inscription, see my Sotheby's 2024 Unique Hamlet sale page.
References: Ira Matetsky September 2024 emails to me; Sotheby's 26 June 2024 catalog; Christies New York 17 April 2002 catalog. (Last updated: 9/15/24)
VS6. Private collection of Ralph Hall, BSI
Signed twice by Starrett, once on the front free endpaper and again with inscription on the rear pastedown. No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: One of only ten (10) copies with my name as publisher – Vincent Starrett
Provenance: A Texas seller on eBay; Paul Herbert (from the Texas seller circa 2000); Ralph Hall (from Barbara Herbert 2020).
References: Hall May & March 2020 emails to me; Barbara Herbert March 2020 email to me; Paul Herbert July 2010 emails to me. (Last updated: 5/20/20)
VS7. The Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.)
Library of Congress Copyright Deposit bookplate on front paste-down, stamped "DEC-6 1920" and "© CL A 601858" on copyright page.
Inscribed: none.
Library Catalog Record: PZ3.S7966 Un FT MEADE (copy 1)
Provenance: Library of Congress, December 6, 1920 (stamped).
Notes: Catalog record contains incorrect publisher imprint, notes, and OCLC number. Taken to Rare Books in July 2010 but current storage location within LOC is unconfirmed.
References: Catalog 8/12/12 & 7/21/10; Library staff email 8/9/12 & 7/28/10. (Last updated: 8/12/12)
VS8. The Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.)
Library of Congress bookplate on front paste-down, stamped "DEC-6 1920" and "© CL A 601858" on copyright page.
Inscribed: none.
Library Catalog Record: PZ3.S7966 Un FT MEADE (copy 2)
Provenance: Library of Congress, December 6, 1920 (stamped).
Notes: Catalog record contains incorrect publisher imprint, notes, and OCLC number. Taken to Rare Books in July 2010 but current storage location within LOC is unconfirmed.
References: Catalog 8/12/12 & 7/21/10; Library staff email 8/9/12 & 7/28/10. (Last updated: 8/12/12)
VS9. Private collection of Dr. Richard J. Sveum
Not bound, with thicker manila cover sheets (top and bottom), and a blank sheet before the half-title and after page 39. The top fold was uncut until 2009. No indication of it ever being bound. See above for photo of title page.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: Midwest Book Hunters Book Fair; Steve Stilwell, bookseller; Richard Sveum (acquired ca. 2007).
References: Sveum 10/9/24, 3/11/20 & April 2010 emails to me. (Last updated: 10/9/24)
VS10. Private collection of the late William Goodrich
Signed and inscribed by Starrett on front free endpaper. Starrett Sherlock Holmes bookplate on front paste-down. Pencil note on back paste-down: "10 copies for V.S., pres. copy to his aunt." In a faded dust jacket of plain white flimsy paper.
Inscribed: Affectionate Christmas Greetings to the W.G.A. from the W.G.A, Vincent Starrett, Dec. 1920.
Provenance: Lilian M. Starrett and Bella J. Starrett (Starrett's aunts, from inscription, pencil note, Goodrich's recollection of a discussion with Vincent, and details below); Vincent Starrett (sold from his third collection via Chicago bookseller Lovell's circa 1961); William Goodrich (purchased from Lovell's; died 2019).
Notes: Starrett worked as a Chicago reporter, and one of the city's leading papers, The Chicago Tribune, promoted itself as the "World's Greatest Newspaper." The company later used that motto for the call letters WGN of their radio and TV stations. Tom Joyce suggested in 2012 that the "W.G.A" inscription might have been a play on this acronym as "World's Greatest Author." I then proposed that the other "W.G.A." meant "World's Greatest Aunt(s)."
Further investigation in 2020 suggested a combined gift to both aunts, with Starrett soon exchanging copy VS10 for copy WMH20 with a similar inscription, as described in Absolutely Unique: A History and Census of Starrett's Hamlet. Ray Betzner then pointed out a Starrett dedication in a 1922 book ("To the W.G.A. / L.M.S. / B.J.S.") which further reinforced the conclusion that "W.G.A." included both aunts. The inscription thus reads "to the World's Greatest Aunts from the World's Greatest Author."
References: Jim Goodrich 5/22/23 & 12/14/20 e-mail to me; Ray Betzner 8/13/21 email to me; William Goodrich 7/18/12 e-mail and 8/17/10 phone call to me; Joyce 7/9/12 e-mail to me; Born in a Bookshop by Vincent Starrett. (Last updated: 5/22/23)
Confirmed Walter M. Hill (WMH) Copies of The Unique Hamlet
Reports on the number of Hill copies range from 90 to 250, but the most likely number at this point seems to be 100. For more details, see Absolutely Unique: A History and Census of Starrett's Hamlet.
WMH1. Private collection of Dr. Richard J. Sveum
Photo Courtesy of Richard Sveum
Includes Sherlockian bookplate of Vincent Starrett on front paste-down.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: Jerry Wachs; Otto Penzler, The Mysterious Bookshop; Richard Sveum.
References: Sveum 10/9/24, 3/11/20 & 4/11/10 emails to me. (Last updated: 10/9/24)
WMH2. Private collection of Peter E. Blau
Inscribed by Hill on rear free endpaper. No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: W. C. Firebaugh | With best wishes & sincere regards | from Walter M. Hill | Dec 28th 1920
Provenance: Book dealer in the Midwest; Peter E. Blau (acquired "quite a few years" before 2010).
References: Blau 3/3/20 and April 2010 emails to me. (Last updated: 3/3/20)
WMH3. Private collection of Steven Rothman
"Mr. Preston" written in ink on the front free endpaper. No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: none (name on endpaper as above).
Provenance: Walter McKee, BSI; Bob Langmuir, The Book Mark (dealer); Steven Rothman (acquired late 1970s).
Notes: The handwritten "Mr. Preston" is most likely the Chicago newspaper columnist Keith Preston (1884-1927).
References: Rothman 3/26/20, 7/16/12, 8/2/10 and April 2010 emails to me. (Last updated: 3/26/20)
WMH4. Private collection of the late Dr. C. Frederick Kittle
Includes blind stamp (illegible) on copyright page. No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: none.
References: Kittle April, May 2010 phone calls & letter to me. (Last updated: 5/7/10)
WMH5. Private collection of Glen Miranker
No bookplates or other markings. In a very fine light-tan glassine wrapper.
Inscribed: none.
References: Miranker 10/10/24, 2/23/20, August 2012 & May 2010 emails to me. (Last updated: 10/10/24)
WMH6. Private collection of Douglas Greene
Inscribed by Starrett on front free endpaper. No bookplate or other markings.
Inscribed: To A. J. Morin | after two glasses of cognac, | with all good wishes, | Vincent Starrett
Provenance: Sold by Blackwell's in Oxford in 2008 to the current owner.
References: Greene 3/19/20 & 6/25/10 emails to me. (Last updated: 3/19/20)
WMH7. Private collection of Dr. Constantine Rossakis
Inscribed by Starrett at top of half-title page. No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: Sic Semper Sincerely | Vincent Starrett
Provenance: First copy owned by Rossakis, acquired prior to 2002.
References: Rossakis email 2/23/20; phone calls, email & postal mail to me June-July 2010. (Last updated: 2/23/20)
WMH8. Private collection of Dr. Constantine Rossakis
A copy in superb condition, with no bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: Previously owned by Norman S. Nolan and sold by Otto Penzler to Rossakis before 2002.
References: Rossakis email 2/23/20; phone calls, email & postal mail to me June-July 2010. (Last updated: 2/23/20)
WMH9. Private collection of Andrew G. Fusco, BSI
Signed and inscribed by Starrett on the front free endpaper. No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: For Olivia Blonigen | the handsomest "edition" | in the Hill shop, | with the friendship of | Vincent Starrett [underlined]
Provenance: Olivia Blonigen (inscription); purchased by the current owner from the dealer James Pepper in 2007.
References: Fusco 3/4/20 and 7/11/10 emails to me. (Last updated: 3/4/20)
WMH10. Private collection of Ralph Hall, BSI
Signed and inscribed by both Starrett and Hill on the front free endpaper. No bookplates, marked "1860" on the inside front cover.
Inscribed: To A. Edward Newton with sincere although tardy holiday wishes, from Vincent Starrett | Compliments of the Season and all good wishes from Walter M. Hill | Jan. 5th - 1921
Provenance: A. Edward Newton (inscription); Richard M. Lackritz, sold at auction at Christies NY 17 April 2002; purchased by the current owner from the dealer Peter L. Stern soon thereafter.
References: Hall 5/19/20, March 2020 & July 2010 emails to me; Christies catalog lot 266; Scuttlebutt April 2002, p. 6. (Last updated: 5/19/20)
WMH11. Private collection of Ray Betzner
No bookplates or other markings. Housed in a brown cloth slipcase with spine in gilt as "THE / UNIQUE / HAMLET / [short rule] / VINCENT / STARRETT" and "Privately / Printed / [short rule] / Chicago 1920."
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: Otto Penzler (sold via Heritage Auctions 2019); Ray Betzner (from the Penzler auction).
Notes: See Betzner's blog post with photos of his copy and related information.
References: Betzner 2/2/21 & 2/28/20 emails to me; Heritage Auctions 9/5/19 catalog; Penzler 7/23/10 email to me. (Last updated: 6/28/23)
WMH12. Private Collector in Wisconsin
No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: Probably acquired in the 1970s or 1980s.
References: Owner 5/11/23, 3/4/20 & 7/24/10 emails to me. (Last updated: 5/11/23)
WMH13. Private collection of Bruce Harris
Inscribed and signed by Starrett on front free endpaper. Bookplate "Ex Libris Tage la Cour" on front pastedown.
Inscribed: For Tage la Cour / with Sherlockian greeting / and good will – / Vincent Starrett / Chicago 8 Sept. 1961.
Provenance: Tage la Cour (bookplate and 1961 inscription); Alexis Galanos (probably bought from Otto Penzler circa 1993-1995, Galanos died in 2019); Brought To Book Ltd., a dealer (purchased 3/20/23, sold 5/30/23); Bruce Harris (from Brought To Book).
Notes: Tage la Cour provided the foreword to the 1952 Danish translation of The Unique Hamlet.
References: Harris June 2023 emails to me; Brought To Book email to me 5/22/23; Galanos July 2010 emails to me. (Last updated: 6/9/23)
WMH14. Private collection of Roman Wuller
No bookplates or other markings. No chips to spine paper label. Housed in a bright red cloth slipcase with a dark red leather spine that is stamped in gold and with raised bands for six panels.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: The Mysterious Bookshop (acquired from a dealer in early 2013, sold April 2023); Roman Wuller (from Mysterious Bookshop).
References: Roman Wuller emails May 2023; Otto Penzler emails 5/8/23, 5/9/20 & July 2013. (Last updated: 5/17/23)
WMH15. Not Identified (Kaye bookplate)
In a custom slipcase and chemise, with bookplate to the pastedown of the chemise of "FLORENCE & EDWARD KAYE."
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: Florence & Edward Kaye (from associated bookplate); Lew David Feldman / House of El Dieff, a dealer (offered ca. 1974, likely sold by 1978); Peter L. Stern, a dealer (acquired by July 2010, sold ca. 2022).
References: Peter L. Stern ABE listing in July 2010 and in his catalogs including Summer 2013; Stern emails to me 5/7/23 & 7/24/13; House of El Dieff The Distinguished Library of Detective-Crime-Mystery Fiction [1974] catalog p6. (Last updated: 5/7/23)
WMH16. Private collection of Andrew Peck
Inscribed and signed by Starrett on front free endpaper.
Inscribed: For William E. Rudge | With all good wishes | Vincent Starrett.
Provenance: William E. Rudge (inscription).
Notes: William Edwin Rudge was a printer and book designer.
References: Peck 10/9/24, 2/3/20, 7/15/12 & 8/1/10 emails to me. (Last updated: 10/9/24)
WMH17. Columbia University (New York City, New York)
The Columbia University Rare Book and Manuscript Library.
Includes Columbia Library bookplate "Presented by Louise T. Woods in memory of George D. Woods"
Inscribed: none.
Library Catalog Record: Rare Book, Butler 6th Fl. East, PS3537.T246 U5 1920
Provenance: George D. Woods (Columbia Library Columns, Nov. 1983); Louise T. Woods (bookplate, given 1983); Columbia University.
References: Catalog 3/21/20 & 4/1/10; Library staff email 4/21/10. (Last updated: 3/21/20)
WMH18. Desales University (Center Valley, Pennsylvania)
Rare Book Room. No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: none.
Library Catalog Record: Trexler Library Butz PZ3.S7966 Un
References: Catalog 3/21/20 & 4/1/10 (erroneous reference to Hill signature); Library staff email 4/21/10. (Last updated: 3/21/20)
WMH19. The Huntington Library (San Marino, CA)
Inscribed by Starrett on front free endpaper. No bookplates or other markings. Hill letter dated May 14, 1921 to George Watson Cole (Huntington's librarian) is laid in, in which Hill says the book was printed just for friends and not for sale, but that Hill was happy to present his last copy to Mr. Huntington.
Inscribed: For Walter M. Hill, My publisher and my friend. . ."What do you make of this, Watson?" Vincent Starrett 1-22-'21
Library Catalog Record: Rare Books #18944
Provenance: Vincent Starrett to Walter M. Hill (inscription); Hill to Henry E. Huntington (letter laid in).
Notes: Starrett also inscribed copy WMH44 to Hill.
Other Huntington Library Holdings:
References: Catalog 3/21/20 & 6/15/10; staff email to me 6/29/10. (Last updated: 3/21/20)
WMH20. Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana)
The Lilly Library, Indiana University
Inscribed by Starrett on front free endpaper. No bookplates or stamps. Pencil "50" on verso of title page under copyright information. Catalog lists as "brown boards" but staff confirms they are the standard tan of WMH copies.
Inscribed: To the W.G.A. | from the W.G.A. | with love, at Christmas, | Vincent Starrett | Dec. 1920
Library Catalog Record: Lilly Library Stacks PS3537.T18 U6
Provenance: Lilly Library (purchased 1960-61, probably in a carton of books from Starrett's collection sold via Lovell's, a Chicago book dealer).
Notes: Probably a gift to Starrett's aunts; see VS10 for details and a similar inscription.
Other Lilly Library Holdings:
References: IUCAT Catalog 3/12/20, 7/17/12 & 4/1/10; Library staff email 8/6/12 & 4/22/10. (Last updated: 3/12/20)
WMH21. St. Louis Public Library (St. Louis, Missouri)
Rare Books & Manuscripts, St. Louis Public Library.
Includes library identification plate.
Inscribed: For T.C. O'Donnell | with the regards of | Vincent Starrett | 14 VII '21
Library Catalog Record: Rare Books & Manuscripts RB-X X
Provenance: T.C. O'Donnell (inscription); St. Louis Public Library.
References: Catalog 3/26/20 & 4/1/10; Library staff email 4/5/10. (Last updated: 3/26/20)
WMH22. Toronto Public Library (Toronto, Canada)
Toronto Public Library, The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection.
No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: none.
The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection
Library Catalog Record: ACD Stacks 813.52 S733.105
Provenance: Harold Mortlake; Toronto Public Library, acquired in 1969 as part of his collection (Mortlake 560).
Other Toronto Library Holdings:
References: Catalog 3/26/20 & 4/1/10; Library staff email 5/15/10; Checklist of the ACD Collection (1977) by Redmond p. 136; BSJ Dec. 1969 p. 245; Harold Mortlake & Co. Catalogue No. 133. (Last updated: 3/26/20)
WMH23. Tulane University (New Orleans, Louisiana)
The Wisdom Collection, Rare Books, Special Collections, Howard Tilton Memorial Library
Includes bookplate: The Wisdom Collection.
Inscribed: With kindest regards & all good wishes from Walter M. Hill Dec 28th 1920
Library Catalog Record: Howard-Tilton Rare Books (William B. Wisdom) PS3537.T246 U5 1920
Provenance: William B. Wisdom; Tulane University.
References: Catalog 6/28/23, 3/27/20 & 4/1/10; Library staff email 4/22/10. (Last updated: 6/28/23)
WMH24. University of California at Berkeley (Berkeley, California)
The Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley.
Includes UC bookplate as gift from Mr. and Mrs. Milton S. Ray, et. al. Although the scanned PDF listed below shows a dark cover, it is actually the standard tan color.
Inscribed: John Henry Nash | with Compliments of the Season | and sincerest wishes from | Walter M Hill | Dec 28th 1920
Library Catalog Record: Bancroft Z239.2 .T67 1920s
The Internet Archive has a full PDF image file (2.2 MB) of this copy online.
Provenance: John Henry Nash (inscription); Mr. and Mrs. Milton S. Ray (from bookplate); UC Berkeley.
References: Catalog 3/27/20 & 4/1/10; Russell Merritt 7/2/10 email to me; Internet Archive file. (Last updated: 3/27/20)
WMH25. University of California, San Diego (La Jolla, California)
The Ira Wolff Mystery and Detective Collection, Mandeville Special Collections Library, UCSD.
Inscribed by Starrett on front free endpaper. No bookplates or stamps.
Inscribed: For Ira Wolff - | Greeting from Baker Street | Vincent Starrett | 4 Nov. 1962
Library Catalog Record: SPEC SRLF Mystery 7332
Provenance: Ira Wolff; UC San Diego (1977 with the Wolff collection).
Other UCSD Holdings: Manuscript of The Sign of the Four (1 leaf)
References: Catalog 10/9/24, 6/28/23, 3/27/20 & 4/1/10; Library staff email 4/23/10. (Last updated: 10/9/24)
WMH26. University of Illinois at Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)
Lawrence J. Gutter Collection of Chicagoana, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, Special Collections
Inscribed by both Starrett and Hill on the front free endpaper. No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: "E.W. Coggeshall Esq., With kindest wishes and sweetest regards of Walter M. Hill Jan 15th 1921" and "Certified to Fred C. Evers at Christmas, 1947 with cordial greeting Vincent Starrett"
Library Catalog Record: Daley Library - Special Collections PS3537.T246 U5 1920
Provenance: E.W. Coggeshall (inscription); Fred C. Evers (inscription); Lawrence J. Gutter; UIC Library (acquired Gutter Collection in 1982).
References: Catalog 12/15/20 & 7/1/10; Library staff email 7/14/10. (Last updated: 12/15/20)
WMH27. University of Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa)
X-Collection, Special Collections Department, The University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City, Iowa
Inscribed on front free endpaper by Starrett. Includes Starrett's Sherlock Holmes bookplate on front pastedown. Bookplate on library-provided slipcase with "The University of Iowa Libraries | presented by | L. O. Cheever" and the call number.
Inscribed: Meredith Janvier | with belated Christmas | greetings, none the | less sincere for their | tardy expression. | Vincent Starrett | 9 February 1921.
Library Catalog Record: Special Collections x-Collection PS3537.T246 U5
Provenance: Meredith Janvier (inscription, bookplate, letter 18 March 1934); [Walter Klinefelter (implied from 1934 letter)]; L. O. Cheever (slipcase bookplate); University of Iowa (from Cheever, probably before 1973).
References: Catalog 3/27/20 & 7/21/10; Library staff email July 2010. (Last updated: 3/27/20)
WMH28. University of Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky)
The Rare Books Collection, Ekstrom Library
Includes UL library bookplate: Presented by Mr. Young E. Allison.
Inscribed: none.
Library Catalog Record: EKSTROM LIBRARY Rare Books PR4494 .U54 1920
Provenance: Young E. Allison (bookplate); University of Louisville Library (possibly from Young E. Allison, Jr. circa 1950).
References: Catalog 3/27/20 & 4/1/10; Library staff email 4/23/10. (Last updated: 3/27/20)
WMH29. University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
The Sherlock Holmes Collections, Elmer L. Andersen Library
Inscribed by Starrett on back cover. No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: 200 copies printed -- | Vincent Starrett [underlined]
Library Catalog Record: Andersen Library Rare Books PS3537.T246 U55x 1920; [copy 1]
Other University of Minnesota Library Holdings:
- The Unique Hamlet copy WMH30 and copy WMH31
- Beeton's Christmas Annual 1887 copies R4, R5, R6, and R7
- Sidney Paget original drawing for The Red-Headed League
- Manuscript of The Hound of the Baskervilles (leaf H8, leaf H29, leaf H30, and leaf H32)
References: Catalog 3/8/20 & 4/1/10; Julie McKuras email to me 6/21/10. (Last updated: 3/8/20)
WMH30. University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
The Sherlock Holmes Collections, Elmer L. Andersen Library
Includes John Bennett Shaw bookplate on front cover and 23 January 1949 handwritten letter from Starrett to Shaw glued to the front free endpaper.
Inscribed: none.
Library Catalog Record: Andersen Library Rare Books PS3537.T246 U55x 1920; copy 2
Provenance: John Bennett Shaw (from bookplate); UMN (acquired Shaw collection 1995).
Exhibited: A River Runs By It: Holmes and Doyle in Minnesota (3 June – 27 August 2004), Elmer L. Andersen Library, UMN
Other University of Minnesota Library Holdings: see entry for copy WMH29 above.
References: Catalog 3/8/20 & 4/1/10; Julie McKuras email to me 6/21/10. (Last updated: 3/8/20)
WMH31. University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
The Sherlock Holmes Collections, Elmer L. Andersen Library
Inscribed by Starrett on the front free endpaper and also signed by him at top right of half-title page . No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: Ray Latimer | from her favorite author | [underline] | Vincent Starrett | to his favorite audience [underlined]
Library Catalog Record: Andersen Library Rare Books PS3537.T246 U55x 1920; copy 3
Provenance: Ray Latimer (inscription); UMN (acquired prior to September 1989).
Exhibited: The Vincent Starrett Library (1 September – 13 October 1989), Wilson Library, UMN
Other University of Minnesota Library Holdings: see entry for copy WMH29 above.
References: Catalog 3/8/20 & 4/1/10; Julie McKuras email to me 6/21/10; The Vincent Starrett Library (1989 exhibit catalog) p. 14 item 49, with photo of title page. (Last updated: 3/8/20)
WMH32. University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
The Haniel Long Book Collection, Center for Southwest Research, UNM.
Inscribed by Starrett on the front free endpaper, and includes UNM gift bookplate on front pastedown: presented by Anton V. Long in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Haniel Clark Long.
Inscribed: My Dear Long — | O my Dear Long! | Yours, my Dear Long. | Vincent Starrett [underlined] | 9 Feb. 1921
Library Catalog Record: 813 St28u c.1
Provenance: Haniel Clark Long (from inscription & bookplate); Anton V. Long (bookplate); University of New Mexico Library.
References: Catalog 2/19/20 & 4/1/10; Library staff email 2/19/20 & 4/3/10. (Last updated: 2/19/20)
WMH33. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Rare Book Collection, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Inscribed by Starrett on the front free endpaper, with a note in another hand at the bottom of the page: "1st ed., presentation copy as above. Presented by Horace F. Townsend, 1928, to B.E." Raffael bookplate on inside front cover.
Inscribed: To Jack Raffael: Whose bookplate, I hope, is his portrait. Vincent Starrett, 4 March 1922
Library Catalog Record: Rare Book Collection PS3537.T246 U5
Provenance: Jack Raffael (inscription & bookplate); Horace F. Townsend; Burton Emmett; UNC library (purchased 1951).
References: Catalog 3/28/20 & 6/19/10; staff email to me 6/24/10. (Last updated: 3/28/20)
WMH34. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
The Mary Shore Cameron Collection of Sherlock Holmes
Rare Book Collection, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Signed "Vincent Starrett" on the title page. Bookplate of the Mary Shore Cameron Collection at UNC.
Inscribed: none (signed on title page).
Library Catalog Record: no online catalog record as of 3/28/20.
For detailed information, please contact Special Collections at <wilsonlibrary@unc.edu>.
Provenance: Mary Shore Cameron (died 1968); Dr. Edward Cameron (her husband); UNC Library (donated by Dr. Cameron in 1978).
References: An Assessment of the Mary Shore Cameron Sherlock Holmes Collection by Christy Edina Richards, item 5A. 61 (p123; PDF); staff email to me 6/24/10. (Last updated: 3/28/20)
WMH35. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, California)
Special Collections Department, USC
Inscribed at top of the half-title page by Starrett, with author's autograph on the title page. Bookplate "Ex libris Willard S. Morse" and a USC bookplate.
Inscribed: Dear Morse— | This seems to be the hardest to find of all my books. I still like it a great deal, and am happy to have found you a copy. All good wishes— | Vincent Starrett | 24 Dec. 1929
Library Catalog Record: Special Collections PS3537.T246 U5 1920
Provenance: Willard S. Morse (inscription, bookplate); USC.
Notes: Starrett inscribed copy VS2 to Morse in 1932.
References: Catalog 3/28/20 & 7/21/10; Library staff email July 2010; see also copy UHX2. (Last updated: 3/28/20)
WMH36. University of Texas (Austin, Texas)
The Ellery Queen Collection, Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin
Inscribed by Starrett and signed by Queen (as "Barnaby Ross" | "Ellery Queen" | 5 August 1940) on the front free endpaper. Bookplate with "Ex Libris, Scott Cunningham" and a University Library HRC bookplate designating the Ellery Queen Collection. Note on inside back board "Gift from V.S." along with possible bookseller notes.
Inscribed: For Scott Cunningham | some years after publication, | and some hours before daylight. | Vincent Starrett | 5 October 1923.
Library Catalog Record: Harry Ransom Center Book Collection PS3537.T246 U5 (QUEEN 4229)
Provenance: Scott Cunningham (inscription, bookplate); Frederic Dannay (Queen inscription); HRC University of Texas (purchased in 1958 as part of the Queen collection).
Other Ransom Center Holdings:
- Beeton's Christmas Annual 1887 copy R14
- Sidney Paget original drawing for "The Naval Treaty"
- Sidney Paget original drawing for "The Norwood Builder"
- Manuscript of The Hound of the Baskervilles (leaf H28)
- Manuscript of "A Scandal in Bohemia"
- Manuscript of "The Golden Pince-Nez"
References: Catalog 3/28/20 & 7/21/10; Library staff email July 2010. (Last updated: 3/28/20)
WMH37. Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, Illinois)
Vincent Starrett Collection, Rare Books and Special Collections, Northern Illinois University
Inscribed by Hill on the front free endpaper. Prior owner bookplate: "Edith Barbara Tranter: her book."
Inscribed: To Edith Tranter | though perhaps lacking in ability | himself admires it in others. | With kindest remembrance and good wishes | from Walter M. Hill | Jan 8 1921.
NIU Special Collections and Archives
Library Catalog Record: NIU--Special Collections PS3537.T246 U5 (with incorrect boilerplate points)
Provenance: Edith Barbara Tranter (inscription and bookplate); NIU Library (probably cataloged 1976).
References: Catalog 6/28/23, 12/15/20 & 9/8/10; Library staff email 9/9/10. (Last updated: 6/28/23)
WMH38. Private collector in Switzerland
Starrett "open book" bookplate on front paste-down. No other markings.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: Robert C. Hess (purchased at Bonham's June 2008); purchased by the current owner from Hess in December 2010.
References: Owner 10/10/24 & 2/11/20 emails to me & personal conversation January 2011; Hess emails to me in August & December 2010. (Last updated: 10/10/24)
WMH39. Private collection of Leslie S. Klinger
Inscribed by Hill in ink on front free endpaper. Bookplate on inside front cover: Ex libris J. Christian Bay. Handwritten "100 copies" in pencil on copyright page. In a partially intact glassine wrapper, probably as-issued.
Inscribed: To my good friend J.C. Bay with kindest regards and best wishes from Walter M. Hill Feb. 8 1921.
Provenance: J. Christian Bay (inscription, bookplate); Ron Randall; Klinger (purchased from Randall on 6/10/1985).
References: Klinger 3/29/20 & 8/2/10 email to me. (Last updated: 3/29/20)
WMH40. Folger Shakespeare Library (Washington, DC)
Inscribed by Starrett on front free endpaper. Includes Folger bookplate, Folger case number 1687, and Maggs catalogue description on inside back cover. With another shelfmark (not from the Folger Shakespeare Library) as 48.7 S796 (3) U on verso of end flyleaf.
Inscribed: For Frank M. Morris, | Man of letters ----- | And books ----- | With the cordial regard | of his friend, | Vincent Starrett [underlined] | 8 January 1920
Library Catalog Record: PZ3 S7966 U7
Provenance: Frank M. Morris (inscription); Maggs Bros. (catalogue item 1227 description pasted on inside back cover); Henry Clay Folger (Folger case number 1687 and bookplate on inside back cover); Folger Shakespeare Library (1932 after completion of building).
Notes: While Starrett inscribed this copy as "1920," it was early January and he should have written "1921."
References: Catalog 6/28/23, 3/4/20 & 8/5/12; staff email to me 3/6/20 & 8/8/12. (Last updated: 6/28/23)
WMH41. Private Collection of Rodger Miller
Bookplate of Adrian Homer Goldstone on front pastedown.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: Adrian Goldstone (from bookplate); Peter L. Stern, a dealer (acquired 2013); Rodger Miller (from Stern in spring 2021).
References: Miller emails to me May 2023; Stern email to me 7/24/13; Peter L. Stern ABE listing in July 2013 and in his catalogs including Sept.-Oct. 2013. (Last updated: 5/7/23)
WMH42. Private Collector in the North of England
Inscribed by Hill on the front free endpaper and by Starrett on the half-title page. Bookplate of Myrtle A. Kelley on front pastedown. With a brown cloth dustjacket.
Inscribed: Myrtle A. Kelley with best wishes and sincere regards from Walter M. Hill Jan. 12th 1921
Inscribed: Certified to Peter Ruber | by his friend | Vincent Starrett | Chicago 27 May 1961
Provenance: Myrtle A. Kelley (inscription & bookplate); Peter Ruber (acquired in 1960, inscription, letters); Current owner (acquired 2008).
References: Owner 4/10/20 email to me; Peter Ruber to Vincent Starrett, 12/7/60 (Vincent Starrett Papers at the University of Minnesota). (Last updated: 4/10/20)
WMH43. Private collection of Bruce Grasberger
No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: George J.C. Grasberger (Philadelphia rare books dealer); Bruce Grasberger (inherited from his grandfather).
References: Grasberger 2/28/20 and 11/2/14 emails to me. (Last updated: 2/28/20)
WMH44. Private collection of Dave Price
Inscribed by Starrett to Walter Hill.
Inscribed: For Walter M. Hill | great bookseller | great friend | with affectionate regard | Vincent Starrett [underlined]
Provenance: Walter M. Hill (from inscription); Argosy Book Store (NY); Dave Price (from Argosy in January 2021).
Notes: Starrett also inscribed copy WMH19 to Hill.
References: Price January 2021 email to me; Argosy Book Store website 2020 & 2015. (Last updated: 1/23/21)
WMH45. Private collection of Kurt Zimmerman
Inscribed by Starrett to his brother Robert on the recto of the front free endpaper. Also Robert Starrett ownership signature.
Inscribed: To my brother, | Robert G. Starrett | this "Detective Story," | whose inner meaning | he may ignore. | Vincent Starrett [underlined] | 8 January 1921
Provenance: Robert G. Starrett (Vincent's brother, from inscription); Robert "Bob" E. Starrett (son of Robert G., per his stepdaughter, died 2014); Wendy Nesnidal (stepdaughter of Bob); Kurt Zimmerman (from Nesnidal in 2018).
References: Zimmerman February 2021 & September 2018 emails to me; Wendy Nesnidal August 2018 emails to me. (Last updated: 2/2/21)
WMH46. Occidental College (Los Angeles, California)
The Ned Guymon Mystery and Detective Fiction Collection.
Inscribed by Starrett to Guymon on front free endpaper.
Inscribed: For E. T. Guymon, Jr | in the pleasant realization | that this curiosity is to | find place on his distinguished | bookshelves | Vincent Starrett [underlined]
Occidental College Special Collections
Library Catalog Record: 813.52 S796un 1920 [copy 1]
Provenance: E. T. (Ned) Guymon, Jr. (inscription); Occidental College (1963 donation from Guymon).
Other Guymon Collection Holdings:
References: Library staff February & March 2020 emails to me; Catalog 6/28/23 & 3/4/20. (Last updated: 6/28/23)
WMH47. Occidental College (Los Angeles, California)
The Ned Guymon Mystery and Detective Fiction Collection.
Inscribed by Starrett to Lemperly on the front free endpaper, with the bookplates of Ned Guymon and Paul Lemperly on the front pastedown.
Inscribed: For Paul Lemperly | with cordial regard. | Vincent Starrett [underlined] | 31 May 1921
Occidental College Special Collections
Library Catalog Record: 813.52 S796un 1920 c.2
Provenance: Paul Lemperly (inscription, bookplate, letter); E. T. (Ned) Guymon, Jr. (bookplate); Occidental College (1963 donation from Guymon).
Notes: This copy includes a 1-page letter dated May 26, 1921 from Starrett to Lemperly that mentions sending this book, and Starrett's intention to "poke fun" at book collectors.
Other Guymon Collection Holdings: see entry for copy WMH46 above.
References: Library staff February & March 2020 emails to me; Catalog 6/28/23 & 3/4/20. (Last updated: 6/28/23)
WMH48. Private collection of Tich Turner
No bookplates or other markings. In an original off-white tissue dust jacket.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: Adrian Harrington Ltd, a dealer (offered in 2020, sold March 2023); Tich Turner (from Adrian Harrington).
References: Tich Turner emails June 2023; Adrian Harrington Ltd emails 5/12/23 & 5/27/20. (Last updated: 6/8/23)
WMH49. Private collection of Michael Kean
No bookplates or other markings.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: The KoKo Collection (sold at Heritage Auctions September 2017); Robert C. Hess (purchased at Heritage Auctions); Michael Kean (from Hess in 2018).
References: Kean 3/1/20 email to me; Hess 3/2/20 email to me; Heritage Auctions 9/14/17 catalog. (Last updated: 3/2/20)
WMH50. Private collection of Todd Warren
No bookplates. Pencil marking "8.86" on recto of front free endpaper in bottom right corner.
Inscribed: none.
Provenance: Champagne Auctions of Canada (offered 5/25/22, sold 2/7/23); Todd Warren (from Champagne Auctions in 2023).
References: Warren May 2023 and Feb. 2023 emails to me; Champagne Auctions catalogs 2/7/23 and 5/25/22. (Last updated: 5/20/23)
WMH51. The New York Public Library (New York, New York)
The Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Collection.
Inscribed by Hill to W. T. H. Howe.
Inscribed: [details pending]
Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Collection
Library Catalog Record: no NYPL online catalog record as of 10/2/24. Digitized card catalog p. 23
Provenance: W. T. H. Howe (inscription; died 1939); Dr. Albert Berg (September 1940 purchase of the Howe collection); NYPL Berg Collection (October 1940 donation of Berg's collection to the NYPL).
Other NYPL Holdings:
- Copy WMH52 of The Unique Hamlet
- Manuscript of The Hound of the Baskervilles (leaves H11-H26, leaf H34, and letter HA1)
- Manuscript of "The Norwood Builder"
- Manuscript of "The Devil's Foot"
- Manuscript of "The Blanched Solider"
- Other Conan Doyle Manuscripts including The Lost World and 2 Brigadier Gerard stories
References: Library staff 10/2/24 email to me; Card catalog 10/1/24. (Last updated: 10/2/24)
WMH52. The New York Public Library (New York, New York)
The NYPL Rare Book Division.
Includes John Shaw Billings Memorial bookplate on the front pastedown.
Inscribed: none.
Library Catalog Record: no NYPL online catalog record as of 10/4/24. Digitized card catalog p. 234
Provenance: NYPL (purchased 8/7/47 from the Seven Gables NYC bookshop with funds from the Billings Memorial Fund).
Other NYPL Holdings: see entry for copy WMH51 above.
References: Library staff 10/4/24 email to me; Card catalog 10/2/24. (Last updated: 10/4/24)
The following items have been reported but do not qualify as confirmed copies for a variety of reasons. If you have additional information about these copies or know about other copies, please contact me.
UHX1. York University (Copy Missing)
York University in Toronto, Canada may have held a copy of The Unique Hamlet. A copy was listed at York in the OCLC WorldCat online catalog in April 2010, but none appeared in York's local catalog or on their shelves. Library staff confirms this sometimes happens when they've removed an item from their local catalog.
References: Library staff email 4/30/10. (Last updated: 4/30/10)
UHX2. University of Southern California (Copy Missing)
The Special Collections Department at USC probably held a second copy of The Unique Hamlet. Their online catalog showed two copies as of June 2010, but library staff was unable to locate the second copy.
Library Catalog Record: Special Collections PS3537.T246 U5 1920
References: Catalog 3/28/20 & 7/21/10; Library staff email 7/1/10; see also copy WMH35. (Last updated: 3/28/20)
UHX3. Not Identified (Conan Doyle copy) - Hill imprint (Reported)
Dame Jean Conan Doyle, daughter of Sir Arthur, reported in 1994 that she owned a copy with the Hill imprint. This copy was not inscribed by Starrett but does include Sir Arthur's name in his own handwriting. If you know the location of a copy with Conan Doyle's signature, please contact me. Names and sources will be kept private upon request.
Provenance: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (inscription); Dame Jean Conan Doyle (as of 1994).
References: Conan Doyle family heir 5/30/20 email to me; Private collector 2010 email to me; Jean Conan Doyle to private collector, 9/13/94, TLS; see also copy VS1. (Last updated: 5/30/20)
UHX4. Not Identified (Margolin copy) - Hill imprint (Reported)
Inscribed by Starrett. Held in a custom slipcase.
Inscribed: [details pending.]
Provenance: Jerry Margolin (sold in August 2007 to Penzler); Otto Penzler, The Mysterious Bookshop (sold in 2007).
References: Margolin July 2010 emails to me; Penzler 7/21/10 email to me. (Last updated: 9/15/10)
UHX5. Various Universities/Libraries (eBook reference)
Some libraries are entering eBook copies into their catalog, including:
- McGill University Library (Montreal, Canada)
- Saint Mary's University, Patrick Power Library (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada)
- Simpson University, Start-Kilgour Memorial Library (Redding, California)
- Wilmington University Library (New Castle, Delaware)
References: Library catalogs; staff email. (Last updated: 3/7/20)
UHX6. Various Universities/Libraries (reprints)
Some libraries are entering reprint copies into their catalog while citing aspects of the first edition, including:
- Texas A&M University - 2015 Nabu Public Domain reprint (College Station, Texas)
References: Library catalogs; staff email. (Last updated: 3/10/20)
UHX7. Not Identified (Smith/Epstein copy) - Hill imprint (Reported)
Inscribed by Starrett to Edgar W. Smith; also has Starrett's bookplate.
Inscribed: A copy of one of my rarest books, and one much sought by collectors. This was the first Sherlock Holmes pastiche ever published, or at least that is what I have been led to believe. At any rate, it is the most famous of its kind. This copy is affectionately inscribed for fellow Sherlockian Edgar Smith. Vincent Starrett.
Provenance: Vincent Starrett (bookplate); Edgar W. Smith (inscription); Marvin P. Epstein (catalog).
Notes: The 1985 Epstein catalog also mentions an "autograph dedication to Conan Doyle," but the book contained a printed dedication and so this catalog reference might be in error. The catalog was not clear if this "Edgar Smith" copy carried the Starrett or Hill imprint, but it probably was the Hill imprint. If anyone knows the location of this copy, please contact me. Names and sources will be kept private upon request.
References: A brief description of this copy and a photo of the inscription to Smith appears in The Marvin P. Epstein Sherlock Holmes Collection (Pepper & Stern, 1985). (Last updated: 2/28/20)
UHX8. Not Identified (Needham/Posnansky copy) - Hill imprint (Reported)
Probably inscribed by Starrett to Wilbur Needham.
Inscribed: Inscribed to Wilbur Needham whose generous appreciation deserves a better reward, with the high regard of Vincent Starrett July 1923.
Provenance: Wilbur Needham (inscription); Daniel Posnansky (catalog).
Notes: The 2017 Posnansky catalog includes a photo of this inscription for a lot with numerous items and does not explicitly state the inscription is on The Unique Hamlet. If anyone knows the location of this copy, please contact me. Names and sources will be kept private upon request.
References: Profiles in History 12/19/17 catalog of the Daniel Posnansky Collection. (Last updated: 3/28/20)
UHX9. Not Identified (Machen copy) - Starrett imprint (Reported)
Probably inscribed by Starrett to Arthur Machen.
Inscribed: [not recorded].
Notes: Starrett mailed a copy of the book to Arthur Machen in London in early or mid-December 1920. Although no details are avaiable, it was probably a Starrett imprint and probably inscribed. If anyone knows the location of a copy with an inscription to Machen, please contact me. Names and sources will be kept private upon request.
References: Starrett vs. Machen edited by Michael Murphy (St. Louis: Autolycus Press, 1977), 79. (Last updated: 3/28/20)
Other Appearances & Reprints of The Unique Hamlet
Listed in order of appearance:
The Unique Hamlet, by Vincent Starrett. Chicago: Privately Printed for the Friends of Vincent Starrett, 1920.
The Unique Hamlet, by Vincent Starrett. Chicago: Privately Printed for the Friends of Walter M. Hill, 1920. See a full-image PDF of a copy at UC Berkeley (WMH24 above).
221b: Studies in Sherlock Holmes, edited by Vincent Starrett. New York: The Macmillan Co., 1940, pp. 88-108 as "The Adventure of the Unique Hamlet."
The Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes, edited by Ellery Queen. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1944, pp. 48-65 as "The Unique Hamlet."
Den Forsvundne Hamlet: Sherlock Holmes løser et bibliofilt problem, by Vincent Starrett, trans. Grete Jacobsen, foreword by Tage la Cour. København: Rosenkilde og Bagger, 1952. [Danish edition, not seen]
The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, by Vincent Starrett. Revised and enlarged. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1960, pp. 137-155 as "The Adventure of the Unique 'Hamlet': Being an Unrecorded Adventure of Mr. Sherlock Holmes."
The Saint Mystery Magazine (US edition), Vol. 21, No. 1 (July 1964), pp. 31-47 as "The Adventure of the Unique 'Hamlet'."
The Saint Mystery Magazine (UK edition), Vol. 10, No. 7 (September 1964), pp. 25-38 as "The Adventure of the Unique 'Hamlet'." [with thanks to Dan Bodenheimer, www.saint.org]
The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, edited by Richard Lancelyn Green. New York: Penguin Books, 1985, pp. 78-96 as "The Adventure of the Unique Hamlet."
The Game is Afoot, edited by Marvin Kaye. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1994, pp. 109-122 as "The Adventure of the Unique Hamlet."
The Eleventh Juror and Other Crime Classics, by Vincent Starrett. Shelburne, Ont.: Metropolitan Toronto Reference Library, 1995, pp. 18-33 as "The Adventure of the Unique Hamlet; Being an Unrecorded Adventure of Mr. Sherlock Holmes."
The 50 Greatest Mysteries of All Time, compiled by Otto Penzler. Los Angeles: Dove Books, 1998, pp. 179-190 as "The Adventure of the Unique 'Hamlet': Being an Unrecorded Adventure of Mr. Sherlock Holmes."
The Unique Hamlet, by Vincent Starrett. Ventura, CA: The Archival Reprint Company, n.d. A facsimile of the first edition printed with rust/copper color card covers and a black booklet binding (6 3/4 x 5 3/16 inches). This facsimile of the Hill variant was produced in a numbered, limited edition of 95 copies.
The Best of Sherlock Holmes, edited by Randall Stock. <https://www.bestofsherlock.com/story/unique-hamlet-text.htm>, accessed 8/1/10. An online e-text as "The Adventure of the Unique Hamlet"
Appearances after 2010 (and there are many), are not listed. If you know of other appearances before 2010, please contact me.
Sources and Acknowledgments
Blau, Peter E. Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press, various issues. This invaluable Sherlockian newsletter is available online for 1985+ via <https://redcircledc.org/index.php?id=39>.
Christie's, The Detective Fiction Library of Richard M. Lackritz, MD, Part I (NY sale 17 April 2002). New York: Christie's, 2002. Included one of each variant, as lot 265 (copy VS5) and lot 266 (copy WMH10). Quotes Starrett as source for 200 total copies with 10 having his imprint.
De Waal, Ronald Burt. The Universal Sherlock Holmes. Edited by George A. Vanderburgh. Toronto: Metropolitan Toronto Reference Library, 1994. The ultimate guide to all things Sherlockian indexes the first edition of The Unique Hamlet as C23136 (Hill version with 190 copies) and as C23137 (Starrett version with 10 copies). De Waal's book is available from George Vanderburgh's Battered Silicon Dispatch Box.
Queen, Ellery, ed. The Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1944. Queen calls it "one of the finest pure pastiches."
Queen, Ellery. Queen's Quorum. New York: Biblio and Tannen, 1969. First published in 1951, Queen lists The Unique Hamlet as one of the 106 most important books published in the detective-crime-mystery short story field since 1845. It is No. 66 (chronologically) based on Historical Significance, Quality of literary style and originality of plot; and Rarity of first edition. He says the story is "universally conceded to be the best pastiche of Holmes extant."
Ruber, Peter and George A. Vanderburgh. 75th Anniversary Souvenir of the publication of Vincent Starrett's "The Adventure of the Unique Hamlet." [S.l. : s.n.], 1995. A 12-page pamphlet with a brief history of the tale and a reproduction of a fair copy of the first four pages of the manuscript, all in Starrett's hand, held at the University of Minnesota, along with other details about Starrett and Basil Rathbone.
Stock, Randall. "Absolutely Unique: A History and Census of Starrett's Hamlet," The Baker Street Journal 2020 Christmas Annual, 41-52.
Stock, Randall. "A Satire Becomes a Pastiche: The Unique Hamlet," A Three-Pipe Christmas (2020) edited by Dan Andriacco, 96-101.
Special thanks to Richard Sveum, who inspired this census and whose help was essential in its development.
As noted in the census entries, staff members at many libraries provided invaluable assistance. My thanks go to Nancy Brown at the University of New Mexico, Tara C. Craig, at Columbia University, Ashley Davis at the University of North Carolina, Helena de Lemos at Occidental College, David K. Frasier at Indiana University, Jean M. Gosebrink at the St. Louis Public Library, Valerie Harris at the University of Illinois, Timothy Johnson at the University of Minnesota, Jessica Jones at Tulane University, Peggy MacFarlane at the Toronto Public Library, Debbie Malone at Desales University, Amy Purcell at the University of Louisville, Anna St. Onge at York University, Jessica Salinas at the New York Public Library, David E. Schoonover at the University of Iowa, Heather Smedberg at the University of California, San Diego, Rachelle Balinas Smith at the University of Southern California, Laura Stalker at the Huntington Library, Margaret Tenney at the University of Texas, Lynne M. Thomas at Northern Illinois University, Kyle R. Triplett at the New York Public Library, Abby Yochelson at the Library of Congress, and Georgianna Ziegler at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
In addition, private collectors, dealers, and Sherlockians graciously offered their expertise and knowledge. I'm indebted to Ray Betzner, Peter E. Blau, Dan Bodenheimer, Brought To Book Ltd., Andrew G. Fusco, Alexis Galanos, William Goodrich, Bruce Grasberger, Douglas Greene, Ralph Hall, Adrian Harrington Ltd., Bruce Harris, Paul Herbert, Robert C. Hess, Tom Joyce, Michael Kean, Fred Kittle, Leslie S. Klinger, Julie McKuras, Jerry Margolin, Ira Matetsky, Russell Merritt, Rodger Miller, Glen Miranker, Andrew Peck, Otto Penzler, Dave Price, Constantine Rossakis, Steven Rothman, Peter L. Stern, Tich Turner, George Vanderburgh, Todd Warren, Roman Wuller, Kurt Zimmerman, and others who preferred to remain anonymous.
While this checklist could never have been made without everyone's help, I am solely responsible for any errors or omissions. If I omitted your name, please be assured it was inadvertent and let me know so I can correct it.
If you know of other copies of the first edition of The Unique Hamlet, or have any corrections or other additions to the entries above, please contact me. I will keep your name private upon request.
This website has information on many Conan Doyle manuscripts, including both Sherlock Holmes and non-Holmes material.
The site also has details on other Conan Doyle rarities, including a census of Beeton's Christmas Annual 1887 with the first Sherlock Holmes story, and a census of Sidney Paget original drawings.
While not rare, there are also lists of the each year's best Sherlock Holmes books & DVDs, the best Holmes stories, and the most famous Sherlock Holmes quotes.
Read the full text of The Unique Hamlet by Vincent Starrett
Please send me e-mail if you have additions, corrections or suggestions for this census.
Vers. 2.1dx-RN Original work
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Randall Stock. All Rights Reserved.