Dross

Chicago: H.S. Stone, 1899. First Edition. Hardcover. Very good. Henry Seton Merriman (the pen name for Hugh Stowell Scott) is one of those authors who enjoyed enormous popularity in his day--the late 19th century--but have completely dropped off the radar in ours. He started out his career as an underwriter for Lloyd's of London, but quickly started traveling and writing. By the time of his early death at the age of only 41 in 1903, he had written 41 novels, many of them best sellers. One, The Sowers, went through thirty editions in the UK alone. At the same time, despite his prolific output, Merriman was known for the care he took with his writing and and was well-regarded by contemporary critics. A review of Dross in the American literary journal Book Notes when it was published in 1899 called it, "A perfectly constructed novel, containing dramatic and even tragic situations without any revolting details....The book presents romance, humor, intrigue and detective work, while touching lightly upon the whole gamut of human emotions.". Our copy is a first edition, bound in red cloth, with the title, the author's name, and an elaboration of the publisher's mark stamped in white on both the front and back covers so that they are identical. The title, author's name, publisher, and city are stamped in white on the spine. The pages are gilt on top and deckled on the front and bottom. It is amply illustrated with black and white plates. Tanned on the end papers. 3/8 inch tear to upper spine. Small stain on edge of two leaves. Binding tight, printing bright and pages unmarked. Nice reading copy of a nicely designed book.