The Virgin of the Sun

London: Cassell and Company, Limited, 1922. First edition. Cloth. Very Good. 8" by 5.5". Not Stated. The first UK edition of this thrilling adventure novel set in South America by the popular author H. Rider Haggard. The first UK edition of this work in the publisher's original tan cloth binding, with brown ornamental borders to the front board and spine, and white end papers. Corresponds with all issue points for the first edition according to Scott 77, including the printer's imprint F.110 1121 to page 308. Ink inscription to the front paste down, dated 1922. Colour illustration, potentially from the original dust wrapper, tipped in to the front free end paper. An exciting adventure novel set in South America. According to Scott 77, this story was inspired by a ring owned by Haggard's private tutor. The ring apparently came from an excavated mound in South America, "on the hand of a mummified figure sitting at the head of a stone table surrounded by other figures". Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925) was an English author who specialised in adventure fiction set in exotic locations, primarily Africa. He was a pioneer of the "Lost World" literary genre. In the publisher's original tan cloth binding. Externally smart, with very light shelf wear to the joints and extremities. The odd bump to the rear board. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, except for the odd spot to the fore edge, affecting the occasional page. Very Good