Publisher's Synopsis
Though Canadian author CHARLES GRANT BLAIRFINDIE ALLEN (1848-1899) published what is considered one of the first Canadian science fiction books, The British Barbarians, in 1895, he is best remembered today for his creation of Colonel Clay, "the first great thief of short mystery fiction." This series of witty, ironic tales-the complete adventures of the gentleman rogue-are wonderfully entertaining in their own right, but in anticipating the work of the likes of Ellery Queen and Agatha Christie, they are also essential reading for anyone fascinated by the history of mystery fiction. First published in 1897, this replica edition is complete with the charming original illustrations.
