A Tale of the Pacific Ocean
The Coral Island A Tale of the Pacific Ocean
T. Nelson and Sons, 1858.
First edition, in the first issue binding of original rose pink ripple grain cloth decorated in gilt on the spine and upper cover. Frontispiece in the first state. Colour vignette title page and frontispiece and five full page colour plates. Issued without a plate at p.31, which appears to be a binding error (as recorded in the Christie's catalogue description at the Ewing sale). A fine copy, bright and crisp with negligible wear. Internally crisp with perfect hinges. An exceptional copy of a fragile production, virtually unobtainable in this condition.
The author's most celebrated book is a recasting of the Robinson Crusoe castaway adventure, but features only children as the principal protagonists (one of the first works of fiction to do this). It was warmly received on publication and has scarcely been out of print since. Its influence has been long reaching: both Treasure Island and Lord of the Flies owe much of their plot lines to Coral Island. The first printing is now of notable scarcity, particularly in the first state, and those copies which have survived have not worn well. Copies in fine condition are all but unobtainable.
PROVENANCE: The Ewing - Bradley Martin copy, both bookplates to the front pastedown
Quale 12a
Stock ID: 38920
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