H. Rider Haggard Works
Click portrait to return to the H. Rider Haggard homepage
1908 - The Ghost Kings
The first appearance of THE GHOST KINGS was as a serialized novel, published in Pearson's Magazine, October 1907 through June 1908, with 14 illustrations by A.C. Michael.Â
The first appearance of THE GHOST KINGS was as a serialized novel, published in Pearson's Magazine, October 1907 through June 1908, with 14 illustrations by A.C. Michael.Â
McKay, Scott, and Whatmore claim that Cassell and Company published the first edition in book-form in London on September 25, 1908. Apparently 15,000 copies were printed, with only 7 of Michael's illustrations, and 1 illustration that was not included in the serialization. Ads at the end of the book are dated-coded 8.08 (August 1908).
McKay, Scott, and Whatmore claim that Cassell and Company published the first edition in book-form in London on September 25, 1908. Apparently 15,000 copies were printed, with only 7 of Michael's illustrations, and 1 illustration that was not included in the serialization. Ads at the end of the book are dated-coded 8.08 (August 1908).
Higgins claims that Cassell paid ÂŁ900 ($154,000 in 2020 dollars) for the serial rights, and ÂŁ750 ($129,000 in 2020 dollars) as an advance for publication in book-form.
Higgins claims that Cassell paid ÂŁ900 ($154,000 in 2020 dollars) for the serial rights, and ÂŁ750 ($129,000 in 2020 dollars) as an advance for publication in book-form.
The first appearance in America was as a serialized novel in Gunter's Magazine, September 1908 through March 1909. I do not know if this serialization has any illustrations.
The first appearance in America was as a serialized novel in Gunter's Magazine, September 1908 through March 1909. I do not know if this serialization has any illustrations.
Frank F. Lovell published the first edition in book-form in New York with the different title, THE LADY OF THE HEAVENS, and without any illustrations. It is unknown whether the American first edition precedes the British first edition or not. The Library of Congress has a copy, and according to McKay there is a date associated with this copy: May 27, 1908. The copy in the Library of Congress has The Authors and Newspapers Association and 1908 on its title-page (no mention of Frank F. Lovell). Scott believes the American first edition was published in 1909, perhaps May 15, 1909, because The Publishers' Weekly lists this date. There are no ads at the end of the book.
Frank F. Lovell published the first edition in book-form in New York with the different title, THE LADY OF THE HEAVENS, and without any illustrations. It is unknown whether the American first edition precedes the British first edition or not. The Library of Congress has a copy, and according to McKay there is a date associated with this copy: May 27, 1908. The copy in the Library of Congress has The Authors and Newspapers Association and 1908 on its title-page (no mention of Frank F. Lovell). Scott believes the American first edition was published in 1909, perhaps May 15, 1909, because The Publishers' Weekly lists this date. There are no ads at the end of the book.
See the VisualHaggard.org page dedicated to the illustrations found in various editions.
I own the complete serialization of this novel in PEARSON'S MAGAZINE. The front cover of the first issue is below.
I own the complete serialization of this novel in PEARSON'S MAGAZINE. The front cover of the first issue is below.
The following text and images are courtesy of David Frank
The following text and images are courtesy of David Frank
This copy issued by The Authors and Newspapers Association (ANA) precedes [Cassell's] British first edition and Lovell's American [first] edition. [See McKay 43 and Scott 50A]. This is one of only two known ANA copies, the other residing in the Library of Congress (LC). This is the only known ANA copy in the original binding, the LC copy having a library rebinding. The LC copy was received from the ANA for copyright submission on May 27, 1908. Scott states that the ANA issue was likely produced for copyright purposes only. Probably only a few were printed. McKay uses the date of May 27, 1908 as the publication date of the ANA issue, although there is no evidence that copies were ever actually published and offered for sale. This binding differs from Lovell's American first edition with two asterisks in place of a rule on the spine, with Empire Book Co. at base of spine and with pasted illustration of "The Lady" on the cover. This illustration by Frank T. Merrill, as noted on the Title page. Also this edition has the leafs of the Contents and Extract bound in reverse order. New York and London: The Authors and Newspapers Association, (1908), 342 pages.
This copy issued by The Authors and Newspapers Association (ANA) precedes [Cassell's] British first edition and Lovell's American [first] edition. [See McKay 43 and Scott 50A]. This is one of only two known ANA copies, the other residing in the Library of Congress (LC). This is the only known ANA copy in the original binding, the LC copy having a library rebinding. The LC copy was received from the ANA for copyright submission on May 27, 1908. Scott states that the ANA issue was likely produced for copyright purposes only. Probably only a few were printed. McKay uses the date of May 27, 1908 as the publication date of the ANA issue, although there is no evidence that copies were ever actually published and offered for sale. This binding differs from Lovell's American first edition with two asterisks in place of a rule on the spine, with Empire Book Co. at base of spine and with pasted illustration of "The Lady" on the cover. This illustration by Frank T. Merrill, as noted on the Title page. Also this edition has the leafs of the Contents and Extract bound in reverse order. New York and London: The Authors and Newspapers Association, (1908), 342 pages.
Below, a copy of the first edition with original dust jacket. I wish this copy were in my collection, but alas, it is not. The dust jacket is extremely rare.
Below, a copy of the first edition with original dust jacket. I wish this copy were in my collection, but alas, it is not. The dust jacket is extremely rare.
Below, my copy of the first British edition, which is very scarce and tough to find in collectible condition, without spine sun-faded.
Below, my copy of the first British edition, which is very scarce and tough to find in collectible condition, without spine sun-faded.
Frontispiece and title-page
Frontispiece and title-page
Below: an original watercolor painting by A.C. Michael, from Adrian Harrington Rare Books website in mid-2021
Below: an original watercolor painting by A.C. Michael, from Adrian Harrington Rare Books website in mid-2021
The 8.08 date-coded ads at the end of the first British edition contain an ad for THE GHOST KINGS.
The 8.08 date-coded ads at the end of the first British edition contain an ad for THE GHOST KINGS.
The ad for THE GHOST KINGS below was found in the 1910 first edition of MORNING STAR
The July 15, 1908 issue of THE BOOKSELLER, NEWS DEALER AND STATIONER has an ad for the serialization of THE GHOST KINGS in GUNTER'S MAGAZINE, beginning in the September 1908 issue. The serial ended in the March 1909 issue.
The July 15, 1908 issue of THE BOOKSELLER, NEWS DEALER AND STATIONER has an ad for the serialization of THE GHOST KINGS in GUNTER'S MAGAZINE, beginning in the September 1908 issue. The serial ended in the March 1909 issue.
2 of the 7 GUNTER'S MAGAZINE front covers mention HRH
2 of the 7 GUNTER'S MAGAZINE front covers mention HRH
My copy of the first American edition was SIGNED by HRH in 1909
My copy of the first American edition was SIGNED by HRH in 1909
Below, my second copy of the American first edition
Below, my second copy of the American first edition
Below: a first American edition in variant cloth binding, titling in yellow (not gilt) and the "Lady" is blind-stamped instead of gilded
Below: a first American edition in variant cloth binding, titling in yellow (not gilt) and the "Lady" is blind-stamped instead of gilded
Cassell Colonial edition, "second impression" with Colonial catalog date-coded 8.08 at the end
images supplied by David FrankCassell Colonial edition, "second impression" with Colonial catalog date-coded 8.08 at the end
Cassell British reprint, paperback I believe
Cassell British reprint, paperback I believe
I own a 1926 hardcover with original dust jacket with the same artwork as shown below.
I own a 1926 hardcover with original dust jacket with the same artwork as shown below.
