Shown as a catalogue plate, not a photograph of this copy. Ask for photographs and we will send them.
First Edition Thus. First one-volume edition of Fred Benson's second novel, his wretched follow-up to Dodo. Although Sixth edition is stated on the title page this is a publisher's con.
The first three printings in 2-volumes were actually just one, as were the 4th, 5th and 6th one-volume editions all one printing. Methuen couldn't shift the book and simply added slugs to the title page to give an appearance of brisk sales. The giveaway is that all copies have a catalogue at rear dated October 1894 and advertising the new 4th edition.
Anyway this is a scarce book in any edition or condition, largely because it is so bad. I know, I HAVE read it. Many a less resolutely cheerful man than Fred would have commited hara-kiri with his pen after the deserved mauling the critics gave this book, but he persevered and, 50 books later, struck gold with the Mapp and Lucia series.
In the publisher's original dark green cloth with attractive illustrations in gilt to front cover and spine. Awfully amateurish frontis. by Fred's old chum, Regie Lister. Minor rubbing and scuffing to head and tail of spine else near VG.
Reginald Lister (illustrator).
Written by Dr Jeremy Parrott, who has the book in his hands. Nothing here is generated from a catalogue record.
Bibliographic detail
| Author | Benson, E.F. |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Methuen, London |
| Date | 1894 |
| Edition | First Edition Thus |
| Binding | Hardcover |
| Condition | Very Good |
| Stock reference | ab_3881506045 |
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