The Secret of the Old Clock
"I have a theory that every mystery can be solved if one is persistent enough." — Nancy Drew
Basic Book Details
- Full Title: The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #1)
- Publication Year: 1959 (Yellow Spine Picture Cover edition)
- Copyright Year: Originally 1930; Revised 1959
- SKU: 448095017
- Total Page Count: 180 pages (20-chapter format)
- Endpaper Design: Blue Multi-Scene (Standard for specific 1959 releases)
- Cover Artist: Bill Gillies
- Original Language: English
- Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Authorship Information
- Credited Author: Carolyn Keene
- Actual Ghostwriter: Mildred Wirt Benson (Original); Harriet Stratemeyer Adams (1959 revision)
- Notable Information: This 1959 edition contains the Revised Text. Harriet Stratemeyer Adams modernized the story, updating the language and condensing the narrative from 25 chapters to 20.
Story Synopsis
Nancy Drew, the clever amateur detective from River Heights, finds herself drawn into a perplexing case involving a missing will and a family's lost fortune. When she learns that the recently deceased Josiah Crowley intended to leave his wealth to deserving friends, Nancy becomes determined to locate the old man's revised will—rumored to be hidden in an antique clock.
As Nancy investigates, she encounters suspicious characters and dangerous situations while searching through old mansions and forgotten timepieces. With her characteristic courage and resourcefulness, she must outmaneuver the grasping Topham family to ensure the inheritance reaches its intended recipients.
This printing is a cornerstone of the Yellow Spine Era, featuring the picture printed directly on the boards. This specific variant is highly sought after for its Blue Multi-Scene endpapers. Reference: series-books.com.
Collector's Q&A
Is this the version with 25 chapters?
No. That plot belongs to the original 1930 text. This 1959 edition contains the 20-chapter revised text, which is the version most nostalgic collectors prefer.
What are "Blue Multi-Scene" endpapers?
These are illustrated inner covers featuring 22 small, distinct scenes from various Nancy Drew books. They were used for a limited time during the transition into the picture cover format.
Who is GoFigment?
GoFigment is a small business founded by collectors for collectors. Every Nancy Drew volume is personally sourced and authenticated to ensure it meets our high standards for your collection.
Physical Condition & Seller Notes
“Please Note: I have multiple copies of each Nancy Drew volume, so the book you receive may not be the exact book pictured. However, I guarantee the quality of the book will be as good as or better than the one shown. The volume number, edition, cover art, and end pages will match exactly what is pictured. I offer a no-questions-asked return policy for your peace of mind.”
Grosset & Dunlp, Inc.
1 The Secret of the Old Clock Nancy Drew Mystery Books -1959 (be)
The Secret of the Old Clock
"I have a theory that every mystery can be solved if one is persistent enough." — Nancy Drew
Basic Book Details
- Full Title: The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #1)
- Publication Year: 1959 (Yellow Spine Picture Cover edition)
- Copyright Year: Originally 1930; Revised 1959
- SKU: 448095017
- Total Page Count: 180 pages (20-chapter format)
- Endpaper Design: Blue Multi-Scene (Standard for specific 1959 releases)
- Cover Artist: Bill Gillies
- Original Language: English
- Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Authorship Information
- Credited Author: Carolyn Keene
- Actual Ghostwriter: Mildred Wirt Benson (Original); Harriet Stratemeyer Adams (1959 revision)
- Notable Information: This 1959 edition contains the Revised Text. Harriet Stratemeyer Adams modernized the story, updating the language and condensing the narrative from 25 chapters to 20.
Story Synopsis
Nancy Drew, the clever amateur detective from River Heights, finds herself drawn into a perplexing case involving a missing will and a family's lost fortune. When she learns that the recently deceased Josiah Crowley intended to leave his wealth to deserving friends, Nancy becomes determined to locate the old man's revised will—rumored to be hidden in an antique clock.
As Nancy investigates, she encounters suspicious characters and dangerous situations while searching through old mansions and forgotten timepieces. With her characteristic courage and resourcefulness, she must outmaneuver the grasping Topham family to ensure the inheritance reaches its intended recipients.
This printing is a cornerstone of the Yellow Spine Era, featuring the picture printed directly on the boards. This specific variant is highly sought after for its Blue Multi-Scene endpapers. Reference: series-books.com.
Collector's Q&A
Is this the version with 25 chapters?
No. That plot belongs to the original 1930 text. This 1959 edition contains the 20-chapter revised text, which is the version most nostalgic collectors prefer.
What are "Blue Multi-Scene" endpapers?
These are illustrated inner covers featuring 22 small, distinct scenes from various Nancy Drew books. They were used for a limited time during the transition into the picture cover format.
Who is GoFigment?
GoFigment is a small business founded by collectors for collectors. Every Nancy Drew volume is personally sourced and authenticated to ensure it meets our high standards for your collection.
Physical Condition & Seller Notes
“Please Note: I have multiple copies of each Nancy Drew volume, so the book you receive may not be the exact book pictured. However, I guarantee the quality of the book will be as good as or better than the one shown. The volume number, edition, cover art, and end pages will match exactly what is pictured. I offer a no-questions-asked return policy for your peace of mind.”
