The Island of Doctor Moreau: A Possibility
New York: Stone and Kimball, 1896.
First American edition, first state binding. vii, [8]-249 pp. Bound in publisher's black cloth stamped in gilt, top edge gilt. Near Fine with light wear and mottling to cloth, and several small bumps to board edges. Light smudge to half-title page, bookseller ticket and offsetting from printer's glue to back endsheet. A bright, attractive copy. Currey p. 520.
The first American edition of Wells' famous tale of animal experimentation, which shocked reviewers across the country. The San Francisco Examiner opened its review with: "It is a pity that Novelist H.G. Wells has so much literary art — he is now using it in so vile a way." The Elmira Star-Gazette went one better:
"This is a romance of vivisection, surpassing in its attempt at mere ghastliness and gruesomeness even that remarkable masterpiece of the young Mrs. Shelley, Frankenstein."
A fine testament to the power of Wells' novella, which has been adapted for film at least three times.
Price: $3,500