H. Rider Haggard Works
1906 - The Way of the Spirit
According to McKay, Hutchinson & Co. published the first edition of THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT in London on May 6, 1906; 15,000 copies, without illustrations. Ads at the end of the book are dated February 1906.
Scott claims the Hutchinson first edition was published March 9, 1906. Whatmore agrees with Scott, and adds a note claiming that "the Hutchinson Catalogue in fact says '9 Mar 05' but this is impossible."
Higgins claims that Hutchinson paid £750 ($129,000 in 2020 dollars) as an advance for publication in book-form.
This novel was not published in America.
The Musson Book Company published the first edition in Canada also in 1906. Ads at the end of the Musson first edition are the exact same as those found at the end of the first British edition.
My copy of the British first edition, pictured below. This book is extremely difficult to find in outstanding condition. Very often, the outer hinges are cracked, and the blue cloth is faded and soiled.
My copy of the British first Colonial edition, pictured below. This book is extremely difficult to find; I have only ever seen one other copy.
The title-page and Ads page that is dated
A British first Colonial paperback edition with 1906 on its title-page, pictured below. This book is extremely difficult to find; I have never seen another copy.
Below, my copy of the first Canadian edition, which is very rare
Below, title-page and last page from a circa 1910 Hutchinson British reprint paperback copy
Below, a circa 1924 Hutchinson British reprint paperback copy
