The Pinkerton's inspired the term "Private Eye," hired the first female detective, foiled an assassination attempt on Abraham Lincoln, and they still exist today. This is an 1886 early printing, first published by subscription only by G.W. Carleton & Co., New York in 1880. The book features a captivating collection of stories and sketches that provides a glimpse into the experiences of Allan Pinkerton and the detective agency he founded. This copy in its original binding is signed on the front blank preliminary page; "To Austin Corbin, Esq. Compliments of Robt. A. Pinkerton." Robert was Allens son who took over the agency on his death in 1884. Condition: 8vo. 598 pages - publishers pebbled cloth boards with black and gilt stamped print and decoration to the front and spine. Corners bumped, edgewear with some softening and fraying to the spine tips, endpapers have been refreshed, some foxing and toning to the paper and a dampstain visible along the outer edge and along the bottom corner of a number of interior pages and not impacting the text block. Overall, a very good copy of this sought after book with the rare Pinkerton signature.