Caleb West, Master Diver. Early Pulp Paperback, Limited Edition

New York: International Book and Publishing Company, 1899. Soft cover. Good. 12mo - over 6¾ - 7¾" tall. Good; see scans and description. New York: International Book and Publishing Company, 1899. "Caleb West, Master Diver", by Francis Hopkinson Smith, in an oddly very scarce early paperback version - a limited edition, as stated, but limited to 100,000 copies, which wasn't really all that limited at the time. Nonetheless, few seem to have survived, probably because of inexpensive production, which has led to fragility and paper deterioration, both of which conditions are in evidence here, as well. 12mo, printed perfect-bound wraps, 378 pp. Just Good; rear cover loose and taped on; front cover tear, which also affects the same corner of the first two endpapers; dusty covers; all interior pages quite notably age-toned; paper remains only semi-supple. Nonetheless, sturdily bound and readable, but for the covers. "Caleb West, Master Diver" is based on the author's experience in the building of the Race Rock Light near Fishers Island, New York in the 1870s. A true scarcity from the earliest days of American paperback popular-novel printing, for the collector of those or of Francis Hopkinson Smith. Ships in a new, sturdy, protective box - not a bag. L202