MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD.

London: Chapman and Hall, 1870. Book. Very good- condition. Hardcover. First Edition. Octavo (8vo). 190 pages of text, followed by [ii] ads, followed by 32 pages of publisher's advertisements dated Aug. 31, 1870. First edition, First issue as described in Smith with "Tower" on p.1, "sentiment" on p.131, "years" on p.149, mostly missing "very" on p.168, and "reflection" on p.169. Smith's binding variant A, with the sawtooth border to the front board and the rear board stamped in black rather than in blind. Green cloth binding with moderate shelfwear and rubbing, minor bumping, and minor fraying. Old repair between the title page and dedication page. Complete with 12 inserted illustrations and a portrait by S.L. Fildes, as well as an engraved title page. The manner of inserting the plates caused most of the copies to separate in some or all of the text near where the plates were inserted, including this copy. Previous owner's name written neatly on a front endpaper, with an attractive engraved bookplate neatly affixed to the inside front cover: J.H. Shorthouse, Lansdowne, Edgbaston. This is Joseph Henry Shorthouse, author of "John Inglesant" published in 1876. First edition, first issue.. (Inventory #: 020189)