Swann Galleries - 19th & 20th Century Literature

286

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WELLS, H.G.

The Island of Doctor Moreau.

Frontispiece by ‘C.R.A.’ [Charles

Robert Ashbee], half-title with adverts on verso. 8vo, publisher’s pictorial tan cloth, few tri-

fling blemishes to covers and spine; bookplate and small booklabel to front pastedown,

contents clean.

London:William Heinemann, 1896

[1,500/2,500]

FIRST EDITION

FIRST ISSUE

Conforms to Currey’s priority (A) binding with publisher’s blind-

stamped monogram on rear cover. Publisher’s inserted advertisements at end. A fine copy, scarce in this

condition. Currey, p. 520.

‘THE MORNING AFTER’ COPY

287

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WELLS, H.G.

The Stolen Bacillus.

8vo, publisher’s blue cloth gilt, slight lean,

extremities rubbed, spine with vertical crease and rubbing; hinges cracked or starting,

Eugene Plunkett bookplate (with pencil marks) and bookseller’s label to front pastedown

offset to facing flyleaf, splash staining to pp. 73-74 (see note below).

London: Methuen, 1895

[1,200/1,800]

FIRST EDITION WITH A RUEFUL THOUGH HUMOROUS INSCRIPTION BY WELLS

in reference to the

present copy and the circumstances in which it was sullied. “With kindest regards from the author. (I

apologize for the wrong done your balcony on p 73).” Examination of the book reveals the offending

‘wrong’: a large [coffee? something stronger?] stain on said page[s] and apparent overspill to what is

assumed to beW.E. Henley’s balcony; i.e. this copy also ex-Plunkett collection. Currey, p. 523.

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