The Boer Fight for Freedom

New York & London: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1902. Michael Davitt (1846-1906) founded, with Parnell, the Irish National Land League. As a child he had suffered eviction and lost his arm in an industrial accident; he joined the Fenians and the Republican Brotherhood, resulting in seven years of penal servitude. Copies of Davitt's works are uncommon to scarce. This is a Very Good copy of the First Edition of his last book, written at least partially under the strategy that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," which caused him to support the Boers. A large, heavy (over 3 lbs) octavo; bright orange cloth binding; blindstamped, filled with green and gilt. Clean text; 603 pages, indexed, with numerous illustrations.There is a fold-out map in the rear showing the disputed areas of southern Africa. Light edgewear and a small discoloration on the rear panel. This is an ex-libris copy, but the treatments are limited to a small faded paper label on the spine and a paper ownership label on the front paste-down. There is a contemporary price-inscription on the FFEP (which in 1902 was $1.80!). Spine is lightly darkened and soiled; because of its weight the book feels a bit loose, but it is holding nicely. Quercus has seen this book in an alternative binding (ruled in gilt and having a portrait of the Boer leader Paul Kruger represented on the cover); however, the priority is unknown. Lacking the dustjacket. . First Edition. Decorative Cloth. Very Good/No Jacket. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.