Books

London: Longmans, Green and Co, 1887. First English Edition, First Issue. Near fine. 8vo. 7 1/4 x 4 3/4 (184 x 120 mm); viii, 31, ii advert.; two color lithographs facing one another on a single folding of heavy paper precede the title, tissue guard. Elegant polished sky blue calf binding by Bayntun (stamp on first endpaper), marbled endpapers, gilt fillets on covers, decorations to edges and turn-ins, 5 raised bands, gilt decorations in compartments, with lettering on red and black morocco labels, lightly sunned at extremities, very light rubbing to spine ends and corners; original blue cloth covers bound in; a.e.g. FOYLE COPY copy with gilt-stamped red roan Beeleigh Abbey label to front pastedown [Sadleir 1092; McKay 5a]. Published serially in the London “Graphic” between October 1886 and January 1887, She was inspired by Haggard's experiences living in South Africa for seven years (1875-1882) working at the highest levels of the British colonial administration. In the figure…

This novel follows the journey of Horace Holly and his ward Leo Vincey to a lost kingdom in Africa, where they encounter Ayesha, or 'She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed', an extraordinarily beautiful and powerful woman who has waited 2000 years for the rebirth of her lover.