Vintage San-Antonio paperback 50s crime novel Fleuve Noir retro detective

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique paperback features an illustrated cover typical of 1950s French detective novels. The title "En long en large et en travers" (Roughly: "Lengthwise, Widthwise, and Crosswise") appears in prominent red letters against a dark blue background. The front cover illustration depicts a noir atmosphere: a man in a trench coat and hat, cigarette in hand, stands in the background, while in the foreground, another character is bound and gagged, enhancing the suspense characteristic of the detective genre.

The words "Commissaire SAN-ANTONIO" are in white on a red band at the bottom of the cover, immediately followed by the publisher's mark "Fleuve Noir" in stylized lettering. The graphic style, dark color palette, and typographic choices are characteristic of Fleuve Noir editions from this period, with a compact format typical of pulp fiction and popular post-war literature.

The visual condition shows authentic signs of wear: creases, scuffs, and blunted corners are visible, indicating real use and age. The left edge shows traces of handling, though the spine and interior are not visible in the photo. No details are observable regarding the back cover or internal content. The item is photographed against a background of old bookshelves, highlighting its retro and vintage character.

The cover, with its illustrated graphic style and contrasting hues, immediately evokes the codes of classic French detective novels. The visual elements (trench coat, hat, nocturnal ambiance) are in line with the detective genre of the era.

This paperback will perfectly suit a retro crime fiction enthusiast looking for an emblematic work from the San-Antonio series published by Fleuve Noir. It also represents a testament to the visual and editorial style of the 1950s in France.

Condition

Used book, sold as is. Shows significant signs of wear on the cover: creases, blunted corners, scuffs. Please examine the photo carefully for an accurate assessment of the condition.

Did you know? The San-Antonio series, created by Frédéric Dard in 1949, revolutionized French crime fiction by introducing a popular tone, inventive language, and unique humor. Fleuve Noir editions published over 170 San-Antonio titles, making this collection one of the most emblematic of paperback crime fiction in France.

AFW Reassurance

Your order will be carefully packaged and shipped promptly by a professional seller specializing in antique and vintage books.

Keywords: San-Antonio novel, vintage crime fiction, retro detective book, Fleuve Noir 1950s, Commissaire San Antonio, antique paperback edition, French noir novel, detective novel, old French crime book, popular literature, pulp fiction, crime paperback