In Times of Peril

First Edition Thus. This book is something quite special. Given the huge amount of bibliographical attention devoted to Henty's works by Dartt and Newbolt, it is truly astonishing that I can announce a previously almost unknown Second edition of this early novel.

The first edition was published by Griffith & Farran and dated 1881 (Newbolt 9.1). The next edition mentioned is undated, published by G, F, Okeden and Welsh but code-dated 1888 and issued in 1,000 copies (Newbolt 9.2). The present copy bears the title page imprint of Griffith and Farran and is undated, but code-dated 4.83 (i.e.

April 1883) on p.343, the last text page. The code also reveals the size of the printing - 2,000 copies. The text and illustrations (with all their peculiarities - see Newbolt for details) are identical to the first edition.

The binding is also as for the first, in diagonally-ribbed sepia cloth, lettered in gilt and with illustration in gilt and black. Bevelled edges to boards, all edges gilt, yellow end-papers. In a note to p.707 of the Second edition of Newbolt is a hurried comment about this edition (not described) being 'an issue' of the 1888 printing.

Sorry, Henty fans, but that simply doesn't make any sense. In the present copy there is a publisher's catalogue at rear coded 5.86 (May 1886) and with the publisher given as G, F, O & W. The firm changed its name in September 1883, accounting for the discrepancy between the title page and the later issue catalogue.

The publisher's name at the foot of the spine is given as Griffith, Farran & Co., - another slight variation from the first, which just has G & F. Inner hinges strained and neatly reglued, previous owner's name upside down on rear pastedown. Other than these trivial details an excellent, clean, bright and sharp copy of a book which, at present, seems to be unique - the sole survivor of a previously overlooked second edition.