The Desperate Search by Arthur Mayse

The Desperate Search

by Arthur Mayse

George G. Harrap & Co., 1953, hardcover, dustjacket

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, minor rubbing and bumping to edges, corners and covers, previous owners’ inscription and details on front endpaper, insect trimming along side edges of endpaper and half title page, clipped dustjacket shows a little edge and shelf wear with a little creasing, rubbing, small tears and chipping (see photographs)

“Told with realism and excitement, this is the story of an air crash and the subsequent rescue attempt.  It is a foggy night at an airport.  An ex-pilot, Vince Ardagh, awaits the arrival of his two young children, Janet aged two, and Don aged eight.  Their mother, Nora Stead, a famous film-star, has custody of the children as a result of her divorce, but fear of flying has prevented her from accompanying them.  The children are thus alone when the plane crashes into the mountains unseen by anybody but a young Indian boy who imagines it to be a bird sent by the Great Spirit.  But his is frightened and will not venture near.  All the passengers are killed except the children, who had been placed in the safest spot in the plane.  Don shows wonderful love for his little sister and great commonsense in this hazardous situation.  He lights a fire to ward off a cougar and refuses to let his sister see his very natural fears…”