The Mystery of the Sea
London: Heinemann, (1902).
First Edition, First State in absolutely beautiful fine condition. Octavo. Black cloth with green and gilt decoration to front board with title (front board & spine) also gilt, bright and truly beautiful.
This unique item is a presentation copy signed and inscribed by Stoker on the front free endpaper to the watercolorist Arthur Severn, as follows:
Arthur Severn / from Bram Stoker / without waiting for years this time / 17.7.02
Ironically enough Arthur Severn is the name of the main character in Stoker's first novel, The Snake's Pass.
This tale is a supernatural mystery set in Cruden Bay whose plot involves coded writing based on a Francis Bacon cipher. An enthusiastic endorsement for this work is by Arthur Conan Doyle, who writes: I found the story admirable. It has not the fearsomeness of "Dracula" but it is beautifully handled and the girl very admirable indeed….I've done my bit in cryptograms myself but that knocks me out!"
A true collector's copy and a one-of-a-kind literary collectible.
. Item #10198Price: $6,250.00