The Weird O’It
first edition
1902 · London
by SHIEL, M.P
London: Grant Richards, 1902. First Edition. Author M.P. Shiel’s personal copy inscribed on title page underneath Shiel's printed name: "For Fytton, Dec 28 '40" which is written in Shiel’s hand. Fytton was the middle name of Terence Ian Fytton Armstong, better known under his nom-de-plume of John Gawsworth. On the front free endpaper is the Ream of Redonda bookplate which reads: “Realm of Redonda/ [crest]/ This volume is from the Bookshelves of M.P. Shiel (1865-1947) and John Gawsworth (1912- )” Gawsworth was Shiel's acolyte, literary executor, and close friend. At foot of title page is rubberstamp "Property of Manuel Tarshish". Same stamp is on rear endpaper. Tarshish was a NYC book collector. Bound is rebound in brown cloth with the front and back panels and spine panel of the original laid down. (Inventory #: 14554J)