first edition publisher's pictorial cloth
1899 · Amsterdam
by (Science Fiction) WELLS (H G)
This classic WAR OF THE WORLDS story was originally serialized in nine issues of Pearson's Magazine (1897/98) with pictures by Warwick Goble; these got reprinted in the first American book version (1898), but the original first edition (London 1898) is unillustrated as is also the 1899 second edition. Our Dutch translation is thus the first illustrated book version. The artist Jacobus Hendrik Speenhoff (1869-1945) is known as a poet, singer and artist, a somewhat radical cabaret performer whose degenerate lyrics made him a pioneer legend. He created very few illustrated books or pictorial bindings (mostly on piano music and satire). This version is quite rare, especially one can imagine in this high-grade condition.
(Inventory #: BBO39)