9.20.24
As spooky season approaches I’m going to start sharing some of my favorite Halloween-themed treasures, like this first-edition copy of the 1932 murder mystery book “Murder In Your Home” by Elisabeth Cobb and Margaret Case Morgan!
“Murder In Your Home” is a truly unique text from the early 20th century that introduced a different form of fun home-entertainment to readers. Rather than being just your typical, drab murder-mystery novel, “Murder In Your Home” is a literal guide to organizing faux murder-mysteries yourself, right in the comfort of your own home!
Before an audience or group of peers (and likely after a few drinks), you and a select-cast would act out scripted mock-murders in front of everyone. Based on the various clues left within each morbid vignette, your audience would then have to decide whodunit! The interactive text is noted for its creative approach in uniting social gatherings, offering a scripted but fun form of amusement that only grew in popularity during this time (and even now!)
Elisabeth Cobb, co-author of the book and daughter of the renowned novelist Irvin S. Cobb, is famous for pioneering this type of literary entertainment. Alongside fellow writer and socialite Margaret Case Morgan, the duo’s collaboration for this unique project just couldn’t fail. The book’s first edition-published by Ray Long & Richard R. Smith and printed by J.J. Little & Ives Co., NY-features a foreword from sports writer Grantland Rice. Original price for this in 1932 was $1.50 (I paid $20.)
This beautiful, rare text from the early 20th century just feels right sitting on my shelf this time of year. Everything from the comically-grim cover artwork, to the hellishly hilarious illustrations that highlight the many tragedies within-I just love this book. Also love how spooky it looks without the jacket. Catch me bringing this to all my Halloween parties this year!
