“Frolic Lady” by S.P.B. Mais Published by Cassell and Company Ltd., London, Toronto, Melbourne, and Sydney, circa early 1930s.

This scarce first edition novel by prolific English writer S.P.B. Mais (1885–1975) is an engaging tale blending romance, social satire, and tragedy. The story follows the struggles of an impoverished young man seeking to win, and then keep, the affection of a capricious beauty whose marriage threatens to strip her of her fortune. Set between the hunting fields of Sussex and a remote Highland castle, the book captures the social tensions and shifting fortunes of interwar Britain.

This copy features a striking original Art Deco design by Barnes (though in heavily worn condition). The book was once part of the Hygienic Lounge Book Club, East Malvern (as stamped inside), adding to its provenance and lending-library history.

Condition: Fair to poor. Binding is fragile and worn, spine damaged, cover edges chipped. Pages show age toning, foxing, stains, doodles, and ink marks. Several pages are reinforced with tape. Despite its heavy wear, it remains a rare survival of an uncommon title.