Edinburgh

This book, with a lavish gift inscription to a visitor to the city, was signed by William Merriless, the chief constable of Edinburgh from 1950 to 1968.
It is the second printing (1948) of the book, so was obviously signed sometime from 1950 on.
Merrilees OBE QPM (24 September 1898 – 21 August 1984) is one of Scotland's best known policemen, thanks to a flamboyant career involving disguise, celebrated court cases, and continual charity work. Known as "the pocket-sized detective with a battleship reputation," he was featured in the youth comic book Valiant, and painted twice by Henry Raeburn Dobson. In November 1959 he appeared on This is your Life, hosted by Eamonn Andrews, and in 1966, his memoirs "The Short Arm of the Law" were published by John Long of London.
Only five feet, six inches tall, four inches under police recruit requirement regulations, Merrilees nonetheless made a big impression, steadily advancing through the ranks. He was promoted to rank of Detective Superintendent on 6 August 1940 and put in charge of the CID, Licensing Department, Aliens, and Dangerous Drugs and Firearms Departments.He was awarded the King's Police Medal for distinguished service in June 1944, promoted to Detective Chief Inspector on 15 January 1947, and on 16 May 1950 he was appointed Chief Constable of the Lothians and Peebles Constabulary. He was awarded the OBE on 1 January 1959.In September 1963, when he was 65 years old, he was asked by the County Convenor, James G. Methven, to continue in office for another 5 years.
There is some toning to the boards, otherwise it is near fine. The dj is price clipped and has edge wear along the spine and spine ends and corners, else very good.