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Copyright
ABfaR © 2004/5
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Members of
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Independent Booksellers' Network
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Provincial Booksellers
Fairs Association
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Biographical note on Dornford Yates
Dornford Yates, real name Cecil William Mercer, born 1885 at Walmer, Kent,
resident Pau, France 1922-40, and Umtali, Rhodesia, from 1946 until his death
in 1960.
The son of a solicitor, 'Dornford Yates' attended Harrow School and
University College, Oxford. The family moved from Kent to London when he
joined Harrow as a 'day boarder' in 1899, his father selling his solicitor's
practice in Kent and setting up office in Carey Street. After Harrow he went
to Oxford in 1904 where he was active in the Oxford University Dramatic
Society, becoming Secretary in 1906 and President in 1907.
He made many useful friends during his time at the OUDS including Oscar
Asche, the producer of Kismet and writer of Chu, Chin, Chow. His 'third' at
Oxford was not good enough to gain traditional access to the bar but his
father used a little known 'back door' by getting Mercer a post in 1908 as
pupil to a prominent solicitor, H. G. Muskett.
Muskett appeared on behalf of the Police Commissioner and as his pupil,
Mercer saw a geat deal of the seedier side of London life, much of which
experience is evident in his books. During this period in London there was a
major section of the criminal underworld of Jewish extraction and the
sometime charge of 'anti-semitism' that is made against him as a result of
many of his villains being Jewish is tempered by the fact that he was writing
about what he knew.
Mercer was called to the bar in 1909 and worked there for several years
writing short stories in his spare time which were published in the Windsor
magazine. After the outbreak of WW1 in 1914 he joined the County of London
Yeomanry and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. The regiment left for Egypt in
1915 and in November 1915, as part of the 8th Mounted Brigade, he was sent to
The Balkans where the war was in stalemate. Suffering severely from
rheumatism he was sent home in 1917. Although still in uniform the War Office
did not post him again and he was released from the army in 1919.
The family home had been Elm Tree Road, St. John's Wood since 1914 and close
neighbours and friends were Oscar Asche and his wife. A visitor to their home
was a member of the cast of Chu, Chin, Chow, an American girl called Bettine
(Athalia) Stokes Edwards, who was to become Mercer's first wife in 1919.
Mercer decided not to return to the bar but to concentrate on writing. The
couple stayed in the family home at Elm Tree Road and their son Richard was
born in 1920. After WW1 there were a number of ex-officers in London who
found that the rise in the cost of living precluded maintaining the style of
a gentleman to which they had become accustomed and some looked beyond the
boundaries of England. The Mercers moved to France where it was possible to
live far more cheaply.
They chose Pau, a resort in the Pyrenees where there was quite a large
British colony, but the exact timing of their move is unknown. Smithers in
his biography of Dornford Yates states "exactly how he hit upon the place is
not clear" but Pau figures several times in the memoirs he is presumed to
have ghost-written for C. W. Stamper and so that may be the answer - anywhere
good enough for King Edward VII was good enough for him. They rented the
Villa Maryland.
He was an exacting husband, Bettine was a social woman and by 1929 is was
clear that the marriage was failing. Bettine had been less than discrete in
her liaisons and Mercer sued for divorce. Bettine did not defend and in
September 1933 the divorce was made absolute. In February 1934 Mercer married
Doreen Elizabeth Lucie Bowie (Jill), the daughter of a London solicitor, whom
he had met on a cruise in 1932.
Villa Maryland had many 'Bettine' memories for Mercer and they decided to
build a new house. They chose a spot 20 miles from Pau near Eaux Bonnes on
the route to the Spanish frontier, the whole project being related in 'The
House that Berry Built', the house 'Gracedieu' in that book being in reality
called 'Cockade'. With the invasion of France in 1940 the Mercers arranged
caretakers for Cockade and travelling through Spain and Portugal to South
Africa and arrived in Salisbury, Rhodesia in 1941.
He was re-commissioned in Royal Rhodesian Regiment and attained the rank of
Major. As the war drew to a close their hoped for plan to return to Cockade
was achieved but they were disappointed in both the state of the house and
the attitude of their one-time servants. After some months they obtained exit
visas and returned to Umtali, Rhodesia where Mercer was to spend the rest of
his life. He supervised the building of a replacement for Cockade, another
hillside venture, and they moved into ''Sacredown' in 1948. The furniture in
France was shipped to Rhodesia as were the Waterloo Bridge ballusters, which
had never actually reached Cockade but had been stored in England during WW2.
Mercer continued writing although by this time more money was not a problem
and he died in March, 1960.
Mercer uses his knowledge of the English bar in his books as 'Berry' is a
local magistrate and 'Boy', the narrator of the 'Berry' books, is a
barrister. For those unfamiliar with his work his novels are set mainly in
England and continental Europe starting at a time when the horse had not
entirely been superceded by the internal combustion engine as the method of
transport for a gentleman.
His first book, The Brother of Daphne, was a collection of short stories
originally published in the Windsor magazine and was published in 1914. 25 of
his 34 books were written before the end of WW2. Whether or not based on
fact, in his books a gentleman would rarely consider travelling in
Europe without taking a pistol although he had little need for a
passport. AA men (for those unfamiliar - Automobile Association road
scouts) saluted, cars had running boards and starting handles, the
expression 'making love' was meant to indicate polite conversation and a
gentleman would defend his lady's honour with his life (and take the lives of
those threatening her harm without any qualms).
Within 'Dornford Yates' output were two separate series of books and well as
several 'out of series' titles although some of the characters appear in both
and in others outside the two series. The 'Berry' books tend to be light and
humorous and the 'Chandos' books are adventure thrillers.
The main characters of the Berry Books are the Pleydell family who reside at
'White Ladies' in Hampshire, comprising:
Berry Pleydell
Daphne Pleydell, his wife (and cousin)
Boy Pleydell (Daphne's brother and narrator of the books)
Jonathan (Jonah) Mansel (cousin to all the above)
Jill Mansel (Jonah's sister)
with occasional appearances by Boy's American fiancée (and later wife),
Adèle. Comment has been made about the parallel between the 'Boy' character
and 'Dornford Yates' himself, both of whom were barristers and married to and
then separated from an American but it was never admitted that the character
was autobiographical.
The Chandos Books include Richard (William) Chandos, with usually Jonathan
Mansel and sometimes other characters including George Hanbury. Chandos and
Hanbury, after their first adventure together, bought their country house of
'Maintenance', in Wiltshire.
Many of the characters also appear singly or with others in the non-series
novels either in cameo roles or as main characters but without their usual
associates. The general atmosphere created by 'Yates' is one where every day
was summer and England was green and welcoming. His novels are populated by
'ladies' and 'gentlemen' who were worshipped by their servants who, in turn,
were regarded as part of the family but a very definitely hierarchical
family. Nobody does much work other than Berry who sometimes disappears to
chair the Magistrates' Bench, Boy who is occasionally involved in legal
matters and Jonah whose absences are inferred to be on unspecified secret
intelligence work. All are of independent means and it is easy to lose
oneself in the idyll that he creates.
The dustwrapper artwork of many of the UK editions of 'Dornford Yates' is
rather attractive. The Hodder and Stoughton editions are difficult to
attribute but the Ward Lock editions are a little easier. S. van Abbé, ARE,
RBA* was responsible for a number of the earlier titles and J. F. Campbell
for many later ones while they both produced a version of 'The Stolen March'.
(*ARE-Associate, Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers, RBA-Royal
Society of British Artists).
The Dictionary of British Book Illustrators (Alan Horne) has very little to
say about 'Abbey', (his name not being provided), other than the fact that he
flourished 1919-1925 and was responsible for some early Herbert Jenkins
dustwrappers of P. G. Wodehouse titles. We found rather more detail
(including his name) in some Percy F. Westerman titles (pub. Blackie) where
he received rather more in the way of acknowledgement.
Horne provides only little more detail about John F. Campbell, giving his
name rather than, in the case of van Abbé, an interpretation of his signature
and that he flourished 1909-1930. We have also spotted his work on some Ward
Lock 'Sanders' paperback titles of Edgar Wallace.
The dustwrappers of the later titles were by various artists including Peter
Rudland ('B-Berry and I Look Back' and 'Wife Apparent') and 'Val Biro'
(Balint Stephen Biro - 'Lower than Vermin') who was also responsible for the
second uniform edition dustwrapper.
There were two series of uniform dustwrappers, the first issued from about
1943 to 1949 and the second from about 1950. Both are an armorial type of
design, the first unattributed and the second by Val Biro and in our
descriptions are called the '1st uniform' and the 'biro' designs
respectively.
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The first unattributed Uniform issue
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The second Uniform issue designed by Val Biro
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Bibliography of the UK works of Dornford Yates in Date
order
Original works
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Temporary Insanity
First issue date: 1910
Genre/Series: Short story
Publisher: Punch, London (magazine)
Synopsis:
Notes: Not published elsewhere, issue dated
25th May, 1910, authorship unattributed in the weekly issue, only
attributed in the index of the bound volume for the half
year.
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The issue for 25th May 1910 containing the short story
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The Brother of Daphne
First issue date: 1914
Genre/Series: Berry book, 15 short stories
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Boy, Daphne, Berry,
Jonah and Jill, and fifteen beautiful young things that Boy comes
across. (includes reference to Jim and Milly Hathaway '...among our
greatest friends', never mentioned again in any Berry story?). Fifteen
short stories set in Hampshire, Devon, Cotswolds, and
Austria.
Notes: First published in Windsor Magazine
1911-15.
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1942 Ward Lock reprint
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Eastward Ho!
First issue date: 1919
Genre/Series: Musical play
Publisher:
Synopsis:
Notes: Written with Oscar Asche (of Chu,
Chin, Chow)
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Valerie
First issue date: 1919
Genre/Series: Short story
Publisher: Windsor Magazine, Ward Lock, London
Synopsis:
Notes: Not published elsewhere, issue for
October 1919
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The Courts of Idleness
First issue date: 1920
Genre/Series: Part Berry book - 6 Berry stories, 6 other short
stories
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Of the Berry stories, the first two
are set pre-WW1 but undated, the rest start about 1919 with Berry on
the General Staff in Cairo awaiting demob, Daphne and Jill with him and
being joined by Boy and Jonah who have already been de-mobilised. Adèle
is introduced for the first time and joins the family as they return to
England,
Notes: First published in Windsor Magazine
1914/5, 1919/20
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1942 Ward Lock reprint
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Berry and Co.
First issue date: 1920
Genre/Series: Berry book, 11 short stories
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Berry, Daphne, Boy
Pleydell, Jonah and Jill Mansel, Sealyham 'Nobby', and a later
appearance by Adèle, others include cousin Vandy Pleydell. Short
stories, set at 'White Ladies', Hampshire in 1919. Includes civil
action against roadhog, robbery of family silver and replacement,
kidnap of Nobby and betrothal of Boy and Adele.
Notes: First published in Windsor Magazine
1920.
Early issues are dated on the title. Later ones,
until 1938, are undated but the dedication date of 1920,
which appears in every reprint until 1938, may
mislead. A rough guide to date a book in this period is to
check the date of first issue of the latest title listed
'by
the same author' in the book.
US Publisher: Minton Balch, pre 1929
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c1935 Ward Lock reprint
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Anthony Lyveden
First issue date: 1921
Genre/Series: Contemporary novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Major Anthony Lyveden
DSO, Valerie French, Lady Harriet Touchstone, Andre Strongi'th'arm,
Colonel Winchester. The fall and rise of Anthony Lyveden, DSO.
Destitute he becomes a footman, is later recognised as the benificiary
of an unproved will, but is employed at Gramyre, an estate with an evil
influence on the mind. Is rescued and eventually recovers but ....
Minor characters: Patch (AL's dog), Mr and Mrs Slumper, Joseph and
Maria Bumble, George, Betty and Anne Alison, Albert Morgan, Peter
Every, Mr. Justice Giles Molehill, John Forest, Sir Willoughby Sperm,
Dr Heron, The Pleydell family,
Notes: First published in Windsor Magazine
1921, see sequel 'Valerie French' (1923),
US Title (If different): Part 1 of Summer Fruit
US Publisher: Minton Balch 1929
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1939 Ward Lock reprint
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Jonah and Co.
First issue date: 1922
Genre/Series: Berry book, 12 short stories
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Berry, Daphne, Jonah,
Jill, Sealyham 'Nobby', and Boy and Adèle newly married, introducing
Piers, Duke of Padua. Short stories, set circa 1921, the family travels
in 'Ping' and 'Pong' to winter at Pau, in South-west France. Jill meets
her future husband, Piers, and is kidnapped,
Notes: First published in Windsor Magazine
1921/2 - the first 6 impressions only, Sept. 1922-Feb. 1926 inclusive (320pp),
contain a Prologue and Epilogue which were dropped from the later
impressions (310pp)
US Publisher: Minton Balch, pre 1928
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1943 Ward Lock reprint
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Valerie French
First issue date: 1923
Genre/Series: Contemporary novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Major Anthony Lyveden
DSO, Valerie French, Sir Andrew Plague, Lady Harriet Touchstone, Andre
Strongi'th'arm, Cardinal John Forest. Sequel to Anthony Lyveden in
which Anthony has lost his memory and confuses his lovers. Minor
characters: Hamlet (Patch, Anthony Lyveden's dog), Pvt Albert Rogers,
Pvt. Hoskin, Col. Richard Winchester.
Notes: First published in Windsor Magazine
1922/3, sequel to 'Anthony Lyveden' (1921),
US Title (If different): Part 2 of Summer Fruit
US Publisher: Minton Balch 1929
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1942 Ward Lock reprint
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And Five were Foolish
First issue date: 1924
Genre/Series: 10 short stories
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Ten short stories with girl's
names
Notes: First published in Windsor magazine
1922-4, first issue dated 1924 on title. Dates changed in text 1928 or
prior, dedication changed 1938 or prior
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1938 Ward Lock reprint
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As Other Men Are
First issue date: 1925
Genre/Series: 10 short stories
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Ten short stories with men's
names,
Notes: First published in Windsor Magazine
1925, first issue dated 1925 on title. The dates '1923' (p13) and
'1925' (p144) are changed in second and subsequent impressions to 1925
and 1930 respectively, dedication changes by 1938 or prior
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1938 Ward Lock reprint
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The Stolen March
First issue date: 1926
Genre/Series: Fantasy novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Simon, Patricia neé
Bohun, Eulalie, Pomfret Tudor, the mules, the king, Sunset, a novel set
in the mythical country of Etchechuria between France and
Spain,
Notes:
US Publisher: Minton Balch, 1933
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1943 Ward Lock reprint
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Blind Corner
First issue date: 1927
Genre/Series: 1st Chandos adventure novel
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, London
Synopsis: Characters: Richard Chandos
(narrator), George Hanbury, Jonathan Mansel, with their respective
servants Bell, Rowley and Carson, and 'Tester' the Sealyham, 'Rose'
Noble, Punter, Bunch, Ellis, Job, 'the landlord' and 'the tanner and
his friend'. Mainly set in Carinthia, Austria at the castle of
Wagensburg, the search for the Treasure of Wagensburg hidden in the
great well. Chandos is aged 22, witnesses a murder and acquires a dog
and collar containing details of the treasure. Meets Jonathan Mansel
(who has a flat in Cleveland Row, London, and a servant Carson) with
his friend George Hanbury. Recommends Bell and Rowley as servants to
Chandos and Hanbury before their venture to Wagensburg,
Notes: Later republished by Ward Lock, see
sequel 'Perishable Goods' (1928),
US Publisher: Minton Balch, 1927
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1940 Hodder and Stoughton reprint
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Court Card
First issue date: 1927
Genre/Series: Short story
Publisher: Windsor Magazine, Ward Lock, London
Synopsis:
Notes: Not published elsewhere
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Perishable Goods
First issue date: 1928
Genre/Series: 2nd Chandos adventure novel
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, London
Synopsis: Heroes: Richard Chandos (narrator),
George Hanbury, Jonathan Mansel, with their respective servants, and
'Tester' the Sealyham, 'Rose' Noble, Jute (Hannibal Rouse),
Casemate, Bunch and Punter. The kidnap of Adéle, by Rose Noble, whilst
on holiday with Berry, Daphne and Boy at Poganec in Carinthia, Austria,
1927, held at the Castle of Gath near Lass while a ransom of half
million is demanded from Mansel, and his near mortal wounding. Richard
Chandos and George Hanbury now share a house called Maintenance in
Wiltshire and hunt four days a week. Rowley is a non-driver.
Notes: Later republished by Ward Lock, sequel
to Blind Corner (1927),
US Publisher: Minton Balch, 1928
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1942 Hodder and Stoughton reprint
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Maiden Stakes
First issue date: 1928
Genre/Series: 10 short stories (includes 1 Berry)
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Different characters in each story.
Ten short stories including one Berry story (Letters Patent), in which
Berry, Daphne, Jonah, Boy and Adéle (still married) figure. Some
suggestion that Adele may have had an attachment to Jonah (see Chandos
novel Perishable Goods)
Notes: First published Windsor Magazine
1927-9
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1943 Ward Lock reprint
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Blood Royal
First issue date: 1929
Genre/Series: 3rd Chandos adventure novel
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, London
Synopsis: Characters: Richard Chandos (first
person story), George Hanbury, Bell and Rowley, Grand Duches Leonie,
Lord President Sully, Grimm, Duke Johnann, Major Grieg, Martin Eigge,
Duke Paul, General Kneller, Lord in Waiting Brooch. Set mainly in the
principality of Reichtenburg in Austria, the account of the aiding of
Duke Paul to succeed on the death of the Prince despite the work of
Grieg and Johann to prevent it in Johann's favour. Ends with Leonie
joining Chandos at Maintenance. Hanbury's servant Rowley is now a
driver. Chandos, aged 25, still lives with Hanbury at Maintenence but
Hanbury moves out at end of story.
Notes: Later republished by Ward Lock, see
sequel 'Fire Below' (1930),
US Title (If different): By Royal Command
US Publisher: Minton Balch, 1931
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1941 Hodder and Stoughton reprint
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No separate UK issue
First issue date:
Genre/Series: Contemporary novel
Publisher:
Synopsis: The titles Anthony Lyveden and
Valerie French issued as one novel
Notes: Not issued in UK as in an omnibus
edition.
US Title (If different): Summer Fruit
US Publisher: Minton Balch, New York, 1929
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Fire Below
First issue date: 1930
Genre/Series: 4th Chandos adventure novel
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, London
Synopsis: Characters: Richard Chandos
(narrator), George Hanbury, Bell and Rowley, Marya Dresden (servant
Carol), Grand Duches Leonie, Lord President Sully, Ramon, Lelia, Prince
Paul, Major Grieg, Reubens (circus-master), unnamed Doctor and district
coroner. Chandos and Leonie, now married, visit Austria near the border
with Reichtenburg, from where Marya Dresden is due to join them. Prince
Paul commissions Grieg to entice Leonie into Reichtenburg, uses Marya
Dresden to bring Chandos and Hanbury (Marya's lover) into the country.
Secret entry via smugglers route behind waterfall. Chandos and Hanbury
join circus for part of route, account of the separate rescues of Marya
and Leonie from Grieg/Prince Paul, and the death of Grieg. At end
Hanbury and Marya Dresden intend marriage.
Notes: Later republished by Ward Lock, sequel
to Blood Royal (1929),
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1941 Hodder and Stoughton reprint
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Adele and Co.
First issue date: 1931
Genre/Series: Berry adventure novel
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, London
Synopsis: Characters: Berry, Daphne, Jill now
married to Padua (Piers), Boy and Adéle (still married), Carson, Casca
de Polk, the Plazas, Woking, Auntie Emma. Opens with family awakening
from a drugged sleep to find all their jewellery stolen - the chase
after the thieves (including a visit to The Wet Flag at Rouen) into the
Pyrenees near Eaux Chaudes to the 'Halfway House',
Notes: Later republished by Ward
Lock
US Publisher: Minton Balch, 1931
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1941 Hodder and Stoughton reprint
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Safe Custody
First issue date: 1932
Genre/Series: Out of series adventure novel
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, London
Synopsis: Characters: John Ferrers (narrator),
his cousin Hubert Constable, Stiven (Hubert's manservant), Andrew Palin
(refugee from employment as a tutor at Hadyn), Lady Oliva Haydn,
Harris, Punter, Bugle, Bunch, Count of Haydn, Father Herman (the
Count's younger brother 'Holy'), Olivia Haydn. Inheriting the Castle of
Hohenems in Carinthia, Austria, after the death of Nicholas Ferrers in
a road accident, our heroes attempt to gain possession of the fortune
secreted within, a collection of carved jewels of the Borgias, walled
up in the dungeons, being opposed by the neighbouring those of Haydn
and by Harris and his gang,
Notes: Later republished by Ward Lock, sequel
is Cost Price (1949)
US Publisher: Minton Balch, 1932
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1942 Hodder and Stoughton reprint
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Storm Music
First issue date: 1934
Genre/Series: Out of series adventure novel
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, London
Synopsis: Characters: John Spencer (narrator),
his guardian the artist Geoffrey Bohun and Barley, his manservant, Lady
Helena Yorick, Florin, Pharoah (Capt. Faning), Bugle, Rush, Dewdrop,
Helena's brother Valentine, Count of Yorick. Set in Austria, Spencer
witnesses the burial of a liveried servant, murdered after an attempt
to sieze some gold in transit. Spencer identifies Lady Helena as the
owner of the livery, warns her of murder, becomes her lover. Discovers
the target is gold bullion in the cellar of her home, the castle at
Yorick. Action is then the various attempts to steal the hidden
bullion, the final elimination of the gang, and the reconciliation of
the by then estranged lovers.
Notes: Later republished by Ward Lock, a very
scarce illustrated dustjacket by John F. Campbell was issued with some
of the February 1944 reprint,
US Publisher: Minton Balch, 1934, also pub. by A. L. Burt
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1942 Hodder and Stoughton reprint
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She Fell Among Thieves
First issue date: 1935
Genre/Series: 5th Chandos adventure novel
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, London
Synopsis: Characters: Richard Chandos
(narrator), Jonathan Mansel, Vanity Fair, Gaston (Count of Rachel),
Jean, Lafone, Luis, Marc, Below, Acorn, Virginia Brooch, Jenny, Great
Dane 'Goliath'. At the Chateau Jezreel in the south of France and Anise
in the Dordogne. Defending the life and birthright of Jenny.
Notes: Later republished by Ward
Lock
US Publisher: Minton Balch, 1935
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1942 Hodder and Stoughton reprint
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And Berry Came Too
First issue date: 1936
Genre/Series: Berry book, 8 short stories
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Berry, Daphne, Jill,
Jonah and Boy with Perdita Boyte (American visitor) joining the family
after the first 2 stories, Short stories, mostly set at White Ladies,
Hampshire,
Notes: First published Windsor Magazine
1935
US Publisher: Putnams, 1936
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1936 Ward Lock 2nd imp. The later reprints of the same upper panel
design had a different shield image (a wigged judge) at the spine.
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She Painted Her Face
First issue date: 1937
Genre/Series: Out of series adventure novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Richard Exon (narrator),
Winter (his manservant), John Herrick, Lady Elizabeth Virgil (Countess
of Brief), Harriet - Duchess of Whelp, 'Matthew Gering' (Rudolf Elbert
Virgil), Ferdinand Virgil - Count of Brief, Percy Virgil, Elgar, Elsa.
Brief, about 120 miles east of Innsbruck (Austria), Raven - a farm
nearby and Tracery, the seat of the Duchess of Whelp, 35 miles from
Innsbruck. Defending the life and birthright of Lady Elizabeth
Virgil.
Notes:
US Publisher: Putnams, 1937
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1937 Ward Lock 2nd issue dustwrapper. The first issue was identical
without the 'First cheap edition' and volume number at the spine.
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The Real Thing
First issue date: 1937
Genre/Series: Short story
Publisher: Windsor Magazine, Ward Lock, London
Synopsis:
Notes: First publication in Windsor magazine
(month unknown). Published in paperback by Oxford University Press 1998
in a collection of short stories 'Twelve Tales of Murder', edited by
Jack Adrian.
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Oxford University Press issue 1998
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This Publican
First issue date: 1938
Genre/Series: Contemporary novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Lord Elvin, David Bohun
(his great nephew), John Galbraith Forsyth - (Elvin and David Bohun's
solicitor), Rowena Bohun (aka Elma Baumer and Rowena Howard), Chater -
a private detective, Helen Adair - a divorcee, Lady Persimmon (her
mother), Punch and Belinda Leighton, George Bagot (Leighton's
solicitor). An evil woman, employing murder to arrange a better
idenitity, uses her looks and plausability to win the hearts and minds
of all those she meets and marries the unfortunately naive David Bohun
as a stepping stone to better things.
Notes:
US Title (If different): The Devil in Satin
US Publisher: Doubleday Doran, 1938
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1944 Ward Lock reprint
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Gale Warning
First issue date: 1939
Genre/Series: Out of series adventure novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: John Bagot (narrator),
Richard Chandos, Jonathan Mansel, Lady Audrey Nuneham, Barabbas, Rev.
Bellamy Plato ('Kingdom of Heaven'), Plato's chauffeur (unnamed), Bogy
(in background). Barabbas, fence and controller of thieves, is foiled
in a venture by George St. Omer. St. Omer, friend of our heroes is
killed on Barabbas' orders. Our heroes then set out to even the score,
at the Chateau of Midian.
Notes:
US Publisher: Putnams, 1940
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1941 Ward Lock reprint
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Shoal Water
First issue date: 1940
Genre/Series: Out of series adventure novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Jeremy Solon (narrator),
George Laking, Jonathan Mansel, Katherine Scrope (Formosa), Conrad,
Joseph, 'The Shepherd', Judas, Satan, Mangey, Digs, Larry, and Mabel.
Formosa, carrier of stolen jewels for The Shepherd, wants to retire.
Solon becomes Katherine's lover, can identify The Shepherd thus
becoming a target for elimination which he avoids but at the cost of
the kidnapping of Katherine. Solon and Laking join forces with Mansel
to bring The Shepherd down and release the kidnapped Katherine. Main
action across France, including 'The Wet Flag ', the waterfront and
Seine at Rouen and the castle at Cardinal 'in the Heart of France', the
home of her blind artist father.
Notes:
US Publisher: Putnams, 1941
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1942 Ward Lock 2nd imp.
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Period Stuff
First issue date: 1942
Genre/Series: 13 short stories
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis:
Notes: First published Windsor Magazine
1927-39
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1945 Ward Lock reprint
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An Eye for a Tooth
First issue date: 1943
Genre/Series: 6th Chandos adventure novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Richard Chandos
(narrator), George Hanbury, Jonathan Mansel (Bell, Rowley and Carson),
Caroline, Duchess of Varvic (nee Herring), Cain and Biretta, Duke Saul
of Varvic, James Belper Orion Forecast, Boney, Gulf, China (turncoat),
Auger. Takes place shortly after the events of Blind Corner, set
between Villach and Salzburg in Austria, revenge for the taking of the
life of Caroline's lover, Maj. John Bowshot. Schloss Varvic, a hunting
lodge (charnel house with tilting floor), Cain and Biretta's firm of
solicitors, Worsted and Co., and the village of Beehive.
Notes:
US Publisher: Putnams, 1944
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1944 Ward Lock reprint
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The House that Berry Built
First issue date: 1945
Genre/Series: Berry novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Berry, Daphne, Boy
Pleydell, Jonah and Jill Mansel, Sir Steuart Rowley (Kings Bench
Judge), Fergus Colin Shapely, Albert Edward Tass, Chief Inspector
Falcon. Opens in 1937 when, unable to keep up the maintenance of their
Hampshire home 'White Ladies' it is surrendered to the state for the
use of the Foreign Secretary. Thence to the Pyrenees where they decide
to build a new home Gracedieu at Evergreen, between Besse and Lally. In
a parallel story their friend Sir Steuart Rowley is murdered and they
help, with Falcon, to bring the perpetrator to justice. Ends in June
1940 with Gracedieu abandoned after the German invasion, Boy in England
recovering from Dunkirk with a knee wound, Berry, Daphne and Jill in
Portugal and Jonah on unspecified but obviously secret intelligence
work,
Notes: A brief account of the return to
Gracedieu appears in 'As Berry and I were Saying',
US Publisher: Putnams, 1945
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1945 Ward Lock 1st edn.
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Red in the Morning
First issue date: 1946
Genre/Series: 7th Chandos adventure novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Richard Chandos
(narrator), Jonathan Mansel, John Bagot, Mona Lelong (The Stoat),
Daniel Gedge (Auntie Emma), Brevet, Lousy, Punter, Baron Horace de
Parol, Toby Rage, Jenny (Chandos' wife), Jill, Police Inspectors Goalby
and Falcon. Chandos and Mansel interfere with a robbery at Biarritz
(involving friend, Toby Rage, where the butler is shot dead). Gedge,
the leader of the robbers, resolves to kill them. An action across
France, mainly at Baron Horace's Chateau d'Arx and Petit Arx (connected
by a natural cavern), but also at Rouen, Dieppe and Vendôme.
Notes:
US Title (If different): Were Death Denied
US Publisher: Putnams, 1948
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1946 Ward Lock 1st edn.
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The Berry Scene
First issue date: 1947
Genre/Series: Berry book, 10 short stories
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis:
Notes: A series of short stories that fills
in some of the gaps in the Pleydell family saga, from their first car
about 1907 until post WW2,
US Publisher: Putnams, 1947
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1947 Ward Lock 1st edn.
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Cost Price
First issue date: 1949
Genre/Series: 8th and final Chandos adventure novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Characters: Richard Chandos
(narrator), Jonathan Mansel, (with Bell and Carson), Andrew Palin, John
Ferrers, Jasper, Colette, Edward Osric Friar, Sloper, Punter, Orris,
Boler, Diana Revoke. Sequel to Safe Custody. Recovery of the 127 carved
jewels from walled up chamber in Ferrers' castle Hohenems (Austria)
avoiding theft by Friar and interception by Boler (for Germany), using
travelling group led by Jasper and a smugglers way involving crossing a
torrent by rope,
Notes: Sequel to Safe Custody
(1932),
US Title (If different): The Laughing Bacchante
US Publisher: Putnams, 1949
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1949 Ward Lock 1st edn.
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Lower than Vermin
First issue date: 1950
Genre/Series: Contemporary novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: A novel set between 1892 and 1948
about an upper class brother and sister, money and romance and a time
when the lower classes either knew their place or were put in
it,
Notes: Written at the time of the immediate
post-war years of a Labour government in UK, (anathema to the
author),
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1950 Ward Lock 1st edn.
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As Berry and I were Saying
First issue date: 1952
Genre/Series: Berry book
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis:
Notes: a Dornford Yates 'memoir', in the form
of conversation between members of the Pleydell family, Berry recalling
childhood and Oxford days and 'Boy' his time at the bar (incl. the
trial of Crippen), with odd comments by Daphne and Jill; includes
comment on the characters of many of Yates books and an account
(pp142-155) of the return to and final departure from Gracedieu, 'The
House that Berry Built' (real name 'Cockade')
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1952 Ward Lock 1st edn.
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Ne'er-Do-Well
First issue date: 1954
Genre/Series: Crime novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis: Richard Chandos and his wife Jenny,
with Jonathan Mansel as a guest staying with them, are the audience for
an account related by Superintendent Falcon whilst he is investigating
the murder of Lord St. Amont at the village of
Ne'er-do-Well.
Notes: The author's only crime investigation
novel. Not generally classified as a 'Chandos' title but Richard
Chandos is the narrator. The dustwrapper of the first edition exists in
three different states.
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1954 Ward Lock 1st edn.
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Wife Apparent
First issue date: 1956
Genre/Series: Contemporary novel
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis:
Notes: Retitled after printing when it was
found that the original title 'Lady in Waiting', by another author, was
about to appear. The half title and title pages were removed and a new
half title and title tipped in onto the stubs. The dustwrapper was
overprinted and an additional enhancement to look out for is a pale
blue additional overwrapper label explaining the changes,
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1956 Ward Lock 1st edn.
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B-Berry and I Look Back
First issue date: 1958
Genre/Series: Berry book
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis:
Notes: continuing the Dornford Yates 'memoir'
started in As Berry and I were Saying, in the form of conversation
between members of the Pleydell family, Berry recalling his childhood
in London, his years at Harrow and 'Boy' his time at the bar with odd
comments by Daphne, Jill, and Jonah,
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1958 Ward Lock 1st edn.
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Associated works
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Clubland Heroes by Richard
Usborne
First issue date: 1953
Genre/Series:
Publisher: Constable, London
Synopsis:
Notes: A nostalgic study of some recurrent
characters in the romantic fiction of Dornford Yates, John Buchan and
Sapper: revised edition published Barrie and Jenkins, 1974: paperback
edn. published Hutchinson 1983.
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Barrie and Jenkins issue, 1974
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Adventure in Publishing by Edward
Liveing
First issue date: 1954
Genre/Series:
Publisher: Ward Lock, London
Synopsis:
Notes: Subtitled The House of Ward Lock
1854-1954, this is an illustrated history and celebration of Ward Lock
on their centenary, with a preface by their most successful novelist,
Dornford Yates
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1st (only known) edition
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What I Know by C. W. Stamper
First issue date: 1913
Genre/Series: Memoirs
Publisher: Mills and Boon, London
Synopsis:
Notes: Memoirs of a chauffeur/motor engineer
to King Edward VII 1905-10, with acknowledgement to Dornford Yates in
the foreword 'but for whose tireless assistance these memories might
never have been published', presumed ghost written by DY. Contains
several references to Pau.
US Title (If different): King Edward as I Knew Him
US Publisher: Dodd, Mead and Co., New York, 1913
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Mills and Boon, 1913
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Dornford Yates - A Biography, by A. J.
Smithers
First issue date: 1982
Genre/Series:
Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton, London
Synopsis:
Notes: An illustrated biography of Dornford
Yates. A 2nd edition was published as trade paperback and marked
Centenary Edition in 1985 with some corrections and no
illustrations.
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1st and only hardback edition
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End of list
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