The Shadowy Third — Marco Page, Pocket Books 1949

The Shadowy Third by Marco Page is a 1949 Pocket Books paperback first edition printing of the Golden Age mystery originally published by Dodd, Mead & Co in 1946 under the same author pseudonym. Written by Hollywood screenwriter Harry Kurnitz as Marco Page, the novel is steeped in the antique violin trade and features a razor-sharp, acerbic tone typical of mid-century whodunits.

Quick Facts

• Author: Marco Page — pseudonym of Harry Kurnitz
• First published: Dodd, Mead & Co, 1946
• This edition: Pocket Books #537, 1949
• Publisher: Pocket Books, Inc.
• Cover art: Harvey Kidder
• Format: Paperback, unabridged
• Cover price: 25¢
• Condition: Very Good+

Cover & Illustrations

The cover is a classic mid-century pulp design in vivid red with bold yellow typography. The central illustration shows a stern-faced man in fedora and coat holding a cigarette, with a small red humanoid figure perched on the brim of his hat. Silhouetted figures with guns and a woman observer surround him, conveying danger and pursuit. The Pocket Books kangaroo “Gertrude” colophon and number 537 appear on the cover, with the tagline “Marked for slaughter, he was number one on everybody’s hate parade.”

The Story

Set in the cutthroat world of classical music and antique violins, the plot centers on the disappearance of a valuable instrument and the subsequent murder of its owner, Igor Krassin. Detective Dave Calder is hired to untangle a list of suspects that includes a petty thief, a scorned lover, and an insurance beneficiary, leading to a revealing game of “eeny-meeny-miney-mo.”

Edition Notes

Pocket Book #537 is the first paperback printing of The Shadowy Third. The edition is marked “Complete and Unabridged,” with the iconic Pocket Books kangaroo colophon and original 25¢ cover price. The red publisher’s edge tinting is retained on the text block.

FAQ

Is this the first edition? This is the first paperback edition. The first hardcover edition was issued by Dodd, Mead & Co in 1946.

Who is Marco Page? Marco Page is a pseudonym used by Harry Kurnitz, a notable Hollywood screenwriter.

Who illustrated the cover? The front cover illustration is credited to Harvey Kidder.

For Collectors

Pocket Books’ 1949 issue is a collectible example of Golden Age crime paperback art and mid-century publishing history. The vivid red cover, Harvey Kidder artwork, and the violin-trade setting make it a standout among vintage mystery paperbacks.

Book Details

Author: Marco Page

Illustrator: Harvey Kidder (credited on back cover)

Publisher: Pocket Books, Inc.

Binding: Paperback

Edition Points: Pocket Book #537 with iconic kangaroo “Gertrude” colophon; original 25¢ cover price (circa 1949). Unabridged. First paperback edition printing.

Condition Report

Overall Grade: Very Good+

Cover & Spine: Bright red cover field with minor rubbing to extremities; light corner softening and minor shelf-wear along spine edges.

Text Block & Pages: Original red publisher edge tinting remains vivid across all sides; leaves are lightly age-toned and supple.

Binding: Sound, square, and tight. No loose, torn or folded pages.

See accompanying images for full condition details. Will ship promptly, carefully packaged.

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