Wells, H.G.

8vo (187 x 126mm.), first edition, frontispiece, 1 page of publisher's advertisements at rear (for The Time Machine) together with 32pp. of publisher's catalogue at rear, original brown cloth lettered in black on spine and in red and black with design on upper cover, collector's folding brown cloth box, ownership stamp to rear free endpaper, slight tears to head of spine, foot of spine bumped

Wells 7

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

First edition of Wells' classic and (at the time at least) notorious tale, later adapted for cinema on three separate occasions, with the 1933 version starring Bela Lugosi and Charles Laughton remaining unsurpassed. On publication in 1896, The Times notes that "We feel bound to... give a word of warning to the unsuspecting who would shrink from the loathsome and repulsive... The book should be kept out of the way of young people and avoided by all who have good taste, good feeling or feeble nerves".