THE LIGHT THAT FAILED. In Lippincott's Monthly Magazine

1890. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Co., January 1891 [actually Dec 1890]. Original printed wrappers.

First American Appearance of this novel, occupying almost the entirety (97 pages) of this monthly issue. Lippincott's Monthly Magazine was on a roll! Over the course of twelve months they introduced readers to three amazing novels: Arthur Conan Doyle's THE SIGN OF FOUR complete in the February 1890 issue, Oscar Wilde's THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY complete in the July 1890 issue, and then this one. In February 1890, Kipling's agent A.P.Watt had negotiated for Kipling to deliver to Lippincott this novel -- for which they issued a UK copyright edition in November 1890 (the true first edition). New York publishers (John Lovell / United States Book Co.), with London agent Wolcott Balestier (and Kipling in-law), were all set to publish this in early December 1890, when... The book's publication was held up until the American magazine version... could appear on the newstands in late December in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine cover-dated January 1891" [Richards]. This is a remarkably bright copy, fine except for chipping away of the bottom quarter-inch of the spine. Quite uncommon in this condition. Richards E1-E3, plus see his A49-A51. Housed in a (worn) folding cloth case, which bears the bookplate of Oliver Brett (later 3rd Viscount Esher).