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1885 - The Witch's Head

HRH's second novel

According to McKay and Scott, THE WITCH'S HEAD was first published in London by Hurst and Blackett in 3 volumes on December 18, 1884, though dated 1885. Only 500 sets were printed. 

Whatmore claims the publication date was December 22, 1884.

John and Robert Maxwell published in London a 1-volume edition, supposedly May 1887. It has a black and white frontispiece. 

Harpers published a 1-volume edition in New York with 1887 on the title-page.

Spencer Blackett published in London a 1-volume edition, supposedly in 1887,  with a color frontispiece by E. Hume. 

Later, circa 1893, Blackett published a new edition with 16 illustrations by Charles Kerr.

Circa 1906 George Newnes published in London an edition with 8 illustrations by Cyrus Cuneo.

I do not own any of the books pictured below, unless noted.

First British edition title-pages

One of the 500 first edition sets of 3 volumes. This set was gifted to HRH's sister, Mary.

One of the 500 first edition sets of 3 volumes. This set was gifted to HRH's sister, Ella

This set of volumes once owned by Ella sold in May 2021 for $5,829 plus an additional 30% Buyer's Premium, for a total over $7,500

One of the 500 first edition sets of 3 volumes. This set was gifted to HRH's sister, Mary

My copy of the Harpers first American edition

Harpers first American edition title-page, my copy

John & Robert Maxwell 1-volume reprint

Maxwell 1-volume reprint frontispiece and title-page

Maxwell 1-volume reprint frontispiece

Spencer Blackett 1-volume reprint with black and white frontispiece and title-page

Spencer Blackett 1-volume reprint color frontispiece

Spencer Blackett 1-volume reprint title-page

Spencer Blackett 1893 1-volume reprint, Charles Kerr frontispiece

Spencer Blackett 1893 1-volume reprint, title-page showing 26th Thousand

Spencer Blackett 1893 1-volume reprint with 16 new illustrations by Charles Kerr, my copy

See the VisualHaggard.org page dedicated to the illustrations found in various editions.

My rebound 1903 SIGNED copy that HRH gifted to John Hays Hammond, part of a set of 23 volumes

This copy has the Charles Kerr illustrations.

Newnes paperback reprints, some of which have 8 illustrations by Cyrus Cuneo

Street & Smith paperback reprint

Arthur Westbrook paperback reprint

My  copy of the Pearson's reprint in original DJ

A 1920 Hodder & Stoughton reprint in original DJ

Below is an excerpt from HRH's autobiography concerning THE WITCH'S HEAD

HRHonWitchHead