Leslie Charteris – Saint: Saint Overboard 1946 1st Turkish Book Turkey
Leslie Charteris – Kaplan Gülüyor (Saint Overboard) – Bütün Kitabevi Turkish Edition (1946) – First Edition
Description:
This is the Turkish first edition of a Saint series novel published under the title Kaplan Gülüyor by Bütün Kitabevi in 1946. Although the original title is not explicitly stated in the book, character and setting references strongly suggest that this edition corresponds to Saint Overboard, one of the early adventures of Simon Templar, created by Leslie Charteris.
The story follows Simon Templar as he becomes involved in an international intrigue that unfolds across coastal and maritime settings. Combining elements of mystery, adventure, and light espionage, the narrative places Templar in a situation where deception, hidden identities, and shifting alliances drive the plot forward. As always, the character operates with a blend of intelligence, boldness, and irony, navigating danger while maintaining his distinct moral code.
As an early Turkish publication from 1946, this edition represents a particularly significant period in the introduction of international popular fiction to Turkish readers. Bütün Kitabevi was among the publishers contributing to the early dissemination of translated adventure and crime literature. Editions from this era are relatively scarce, especially those connected to globally recognized series such as The Saint.
For collectors, this volume holds notable value due to its early publication date, first edition status, and its place within the Turkish history of the Saint series. The probable identification with Saint Overboard, combined with the absence of the original title in print, adds an additional layer of intrigue and uniqueness, making it a distinctive collectible for enthusiasts of vintage crime and adventure fiction.
Key Features:
• Series: The Saint
• Title: Kaplan Gülüyor (Saint Overboard)
• Author: Leslie Charteris
• Publisher: Bütün Kitabevi
• Publication Year: 1946
• Edition: First Edition
• Language: Turkish
• Format: Novel
• Genre: Crime fiction, adventure
• Main Character: Simon Templar (The Saint)
• Original Work: Likely Saint Overboard (based on character and setting references)
• Notable Element: Original title not printed; identified through narrative elements
• Collector Appeal: Early Turkish first edition from 1940s with rare and distinctive publication characteristics