L. W. Currey, Inc.

Rolfe, Frederick William and Charles Henry Pirie-Gordon (writing as "Prospero & Caliban"). THE WEIRD OF THE WANDERER, BEING THE PAPYRUS RECORDS OF SOME INCIDENTS IN ONE OF THE PREVIOUS LIVES OF MR. NICHOLAS CRABBE here produced by Prospero & Caliban [pseudonyms]. London: William Rider & Son, Limited, 1912. Octavo, pp. [1-2] [i-viii] ix-xxii [1] 2-298 [299] [300: blank] [note: leaf preceding half title is blank save for signature mark * on recto] + undated 16-page publisher's catalogue inserted at rear, original decorated dark blue cloth, front and spine panels stamped in gold and blind. First edition. An archaeological dig in Armenia uncovers the hidden, undisturbed tomb of King Balthazar of ancient Moxoene. In addition to a Smith & Wesson revolver, a pocket watch, and several gold coins dating from the late 1800s, the tomb contains a series of thirty-four papyri that date from as early as 44 BC. These papyri recount how Nicholas Crabbe, a young student of the occult, accidentally got tossed centuries back in time while summoning Egyptian immortals using a spell book he found in one of Isis’ temples near Cyprus in 1899. Crabbe’s narrative details how he has lived not only as Odysseus but also as King Balthazar, one of the three magi who actually witnesses Christ’s birth. His adventures with the Greek Olympians include his invading Hades to free Helen of Troy whom he later marries. While Frederick William Rolfe’s work as Baron Corvo has garnered a devoted cult following over the years, including noted bibliophile A. J. Symons, E. F. Bleiler considers THE WEIRD OF THE WANDERER a "very dull, forced work." Ashley, Who's Who in Horror and Fantasy Fiction, p. 156. Bleiler, The Guide to Supernatural Fiction 1348. Locke, A Spectrum of Fantasy, p. 179. Bleiler (1978), p. 162. Reginald 11528. Woolf B9. Just a touch of fade to spine panel, scattered foxing, more so to preliminaries, a very good copy, outwardly quite attractive with bright cover lettering. (#170136).

Price: $500.00