[Speculative Fiction] Scarabaeus. The Story of an African Beetle [Henry N. Shore's copy)

London, Paris, and Melbourne: Cassell & Company, Limited, 1892. First Edition. Pictorial Cloth. Fine. First Impression of this weird murder mystery novel, coauthored with James Clarence Harvey. Scarce British issue (FirstSearch lists only five copies worldwide), from sheets of New York publisher Lovell, Coryell & Company, with final leaf a cancel conjugate with final leaf of Cassell's advertisements at rear. Crown 8vo (184 x 116mm): 283,[15]pp, with erratum tipped to p. [5]. Publisher's terracotta pictorial cloth, spine titled in gold, front cover lettered in black and elaborately decorated in relief with two bejeweled scarab beetles in silver, gilt, and green; original green floral end papers. Book plate of author Henry N. Shore (1847-1926) to front paste-down, signed and dated "Aug. 1895." An exemplary example, tightly bound and clean and bright throughout. Locke, p. 133. Clareson 492. Bleiler (Fantastic Literature), p. 175. Wright III, 3211. An anomaly among Lanza's realist novels, which often center on troubled marriages, this foray into speculative fiction involves a hunt for treasure in the ruins of ancient African kingdom, a camera that can photograph the past, cruises on the Nile, and the evil influence of a talismanic gem. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).