THE TWO MAGICS: THE TURN OF THE SCREW, COVERING END. London: William Heinemann, 1898. Octavo, pp. [1-4] [1-3] 4-310 [311-312] [note: conjugate half title leaf and title leaf; final leaf is a blank] + [32]-page unnumbered, undated publisher's catalogue inserted at rear, title page printed in red and black and dated "MDCCCXCVIII" in Roman numerals, original decorated blue cloth, four irises stamped in blind and title stamped in gold on front panel, spine panel lettered in gold, publisher's monogram stamped in blind on rear panel, all edges untrimmed. First edition, first printing. The entire first printing consisted of only 1500 copies which included copies for export to the Colonies. This is one of the domestic copies with title page printed in red and black and dated "MDCCCXCVIII" in Roman numerals and the four irises stamped in blind on the front panel of the binding. First book publication of "The Turn of the Screw," James's most famous ghost story. "One of the most sophisticated and controversial of all ghost stories." – Sullivan (ed), The Penguin Encyclopedia of Horror and the Supernatural, pp. 231-32. Barron (ed), Horror Literature 3-107. Bleiler, The Guide to Supernatural Fiction 906. Cawthorn and Moorcock, Fantasy: The 100 Best Books 20. Survey of Modern Fantasy Literature IV, pp. 1570-72. Tymn (ed), Horror Literature 3-123. Bleiler (1978), p. 108. Reginald 07799. BAL 10633. Edel and Laurence A52a. Cloth rubbed along bottom edge and along outer joints, a hint of darkening to spine panel, a very good or somewhat better copy with bright gold stamping, tight inner hinges, and clean interior. The domestic issue of the first printing is very scarce. A superior copy. (#139996).
Price: $3,500.00
No statement of printing.