THE CURSE OF THE LION. London: United Press Limited, n.d. [1922]. Octavo, pp. [1-8] 11-282 [note: text complete despite gap in pagination], original blue cloth, front panel stamped in blind, spine panel stamped in gold. First edition. Presentation copy with signed inscription by Webster dated 5 May 1925 on the front free endpaper. Linked series of twelve "clubmen's" tales set in colonial Africa; several weirds, including title story re native curse, others feature astral projection, ghosts and atavism. Competent magazine fiction of the period, enhanced by authentic details of African locales and customs. Similar to, but less sensational than Vivian Meik's stories. Includes "The Ape People," a Tarzan pastiche. Bleiler, Science-Fiction: The Early Years 2315. Clareson, Science Fiction in America, 1870s-1930s 792. Teitler and Locke, By the World Forgot (2013) 1281. Reginald 14938. Eaton catalogue III, p. 484. Not in Bleiler (1948; 1978). Several damp marks to cloth, spine lettering dull, free endpapers tanned, a sound, good copy in fair 2/6 pictorial dust jacket with chips from edges, several internal tape mends, and some general dust soiling. A scarce book rarely found in jacket. (#170153).
Price: $350.00
No statement of printing.