Books

First edition, first impression, first issue, with two pages of advertisements, of this schoolboy classic, being the author's third book, here in particularly nice condition. Contemporary reviews were positive: "This is one of the best boys' books that have lately been written. The picture on the cover of two schoolmates having a friendly bout with the gloves raises our expectations of a 'jolly good story', and we are not disappointed" (Leeds Mercury, 21 Dec. 1904, p. 2). Octavo. Original red cloth, spine and front cover with lettering and pictorial illustrations in black, blue, and yellow. Frontispiece and 7 plates. Publisher's 2-page ads at rear. Spine just a touch sunned, and crumpled head and tail, corners whitened, just a little rubbed on the boards, light toning, pale foxing front, back and fore-edge with some encroachment in the margins, but overall a very good copy. McIlvaine A4a.