40 Years Of Scotland Yard

By Frederick Porter Wensley. “The Record of a Lifetime’s Service in the Criminal Investigation Department,” by the former chief constable of the CID at New Scotland Yard. Wensley was presiding when the “Flying Squad” came into existence; his 1930 crimoir is dedicated to Wensley’s sons, who died in France during the first World War.  This hardcover has seen better days, as you can see: a growing split at the front joint of the spine; spots and rubbing to the boards, which someone may have used as a coaster (and/or a paintbrush-holder); toning inside, as well as foxing and soiling. But the pages are holding quite steady for nearly 100 years old; it’s dowdy, but readable, and marvelously vintage in font and illustration.