Archibald Constable and Company, London 1897
First Edition, First Printing, First Issue First Edition, First Printing, First Issue with one blank leaf at the back of the book with no advertisement, WITHOUT the ad for the Shoulder of Shasta, WITHOUT any terminal catalogue; and printed on thicker stock with uncut page edges. Early printings of Dracula come in various states. Copies with a blank final text leaf and no pages of adverts are considered the earliest as all copies. Accompanied by a very scarce autographed, signed letter by Bram Stoker laid in. The letter was both written and signed by Bram Stoker in the year of him publishing Dracula. The letter is dated 27-9-97, and signed by Bram Stocker in full signature “Bram Stoker”.
The book is accompanied by a laid in single page Autograph letter Signed on writing paper of Henry Irving’s 1897 tour, (specifically from Birmingham). The letter is dated 27 September 1897, to [James C.] Dibdin, asking him for a copy of [his book] Scottish Border Life, pencil notes to verso in an unknown hand. 1 page. Autographed, dated and signed by Bram Stoker in his rare full signature “Bram Stoker”. Stoker was manager of the Lyceum Theatre and Irving’s secretary from 1878-1898.
A very good copy of this scarce, highly collectible title. Rebacked, preserving the original cloth spine which was fully present but is soiled and faded, and with a few small outer edge nicks. The boards otherwise have fading, age toning and a few spots of discoloration to the cloth covers. Original end papers present, but with the front fly leaf paper absent and with a very small 1/2″ intact tear to the top of the last 3 pages (now archivally repaired). Otherwise, all pages present and the interior of the book is remarkably clean with maybe only one or two dots of handling marks. The binding is tight and square and the reback has made the book quite sound and not fragile (and therefore even readable!). Scripted owner name to the front paste down. Please see images for details.
A great copy of this landmark book in the scarce original boards and in the true first issue, first state, at a great price for this title (as most all but the $38,000 first issue copies are not in the original boards)! Outstanding presentation on the shelf and perfect for a horror genre collector. This copy accompanied by a very scarce autograph letter signed by Bram Stoker, written in the year of the publication of Dracula.
