The Headless Horseman: A Strange Tale Of Texas. Two Volumes.

CAPT MAYNE REID

Publication: VOLUME I: London: Chapman & Hall, (1866) First edition 8vo Original red morocco-grained cloth, front covers blocked in gilt with vignette of the Headless Horseman, iv, 240 pp, frontis, prologue, illustrated, plates VOLUME II: London: Richard Bentley, (1866) 8vo Original red morocco-grained cloth, front covers blocked in gilt with vignette of the Headless Horseman, iv, 241-470 pp, frontis, illustrated, plates,

First published in twenty parts, of which the first seventeen were issued by Chapman & Hall, and the final three parts by Bentley. As for this book issue, with a different imprint in each volume, Sadleir says, "When Bentley took over ... he assumed the novel was to be published in one thick volume ... and accordingly prepared a title without volume number ... at the last moment Chapman & Hall insisted on a continuing share in the venture, and were so far able to enforce their claim, that a two-volume book set was hastily devised, divided as to title-page imprints between the rivals." Some light foxing throughout, covers a bit darkened and some light, professional cosmetic restoration to corners and spine ends, else very good, tight copies. Housed in a slipcase with leather label on spine and titles stamped in gold gilt.