1975 The Figure in the Shadows by John Bellairs

1975 The Figure in the Shadows, John Bellairs. Hardcover. Measures about 8.25" by 5.5". Drawings by Mercer Mayer. 155 pages. Very good condition. Shows minimal age.

This 1975 edition of The Figure in the Shadows is a quintessential piece of mid-century gothic mystery. Written by the master of the macabre, John Bellairs, this is the second book in the Lewis Barnavelt series and is widely considered one of the creepiest entries in the collection. This specific version is the sought-after pictorial hardcover edition, where Mercer Mayer’s hauntingly atmospheric cover art is printed directly onto the boards. Mayer’s intricate, shadow-heavy style perfectly sets the tone for the story, which involves a mysterious Civil War coin, a terrifying hooded figure, and the dark secrets of a small town in 1950s Michigan.

Inside, the book is further enriched by Mercer Mayer’s legendary pen-and-ink drawings, which bring a sense of tangible dread and Edwardian elegance to every few chapters. As a 155-page volume in very good condition, it shows only the lightest signs of its fifty-year history, with crisp pages and a sturdy binding that has avoided the typical wear seen in well-read children’s library books. Its "book club" heritage makes it a nostalgic treasure for those who remember receiving these monthly mysteries in the mail. It is a perfect addition to a "dark academia" bookshelf or a Victorian-style study, offering a chillingly beautiful look at the world of childhood supernatural suspense.

This item is vintage, over 50 years old. All measurements are close but approximate. I measure in quarter inches.