Overview
A first American edition of Daphne du Maurier's psychological thriller set in postwar Italy. This hardcover volume features the original dust jacket with artwork by Larry Lurin, depicting the fictionalized Italian city of Ruffano.
Preliminary identification
Daphne du Maurier, 'The Flight of the Falcon', First American Edition, 1965
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
Published in 1965, this novel was inspired by the real Italian city of Urbino, though du Maurier renamed it Ruffano to explore a darker, fictional history. Interestingly, the American edition contains a different ending than the UK version, making it a unique piece for collectors of her work.
Maker / Origin
Daphne du Maurier was a master of the 'Gothic' mood, best known for 'Rebecca' and 'The Birds'. By 1965, she was one of the world's most famous authors, though she lived a reclusive life in Cornwall, often weaving themes of obsession and the paranormal into her suspenseful narratives.
Condition & Value
The dust jacket shows some edge wear and light foxing (small brown spots) consistent with age. The interior pages appear clean, though the spine of the jacket shows slight sun-fading. Condition is good for a 60-year-old trade edition.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.