H. Rider Haggard Works
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1885 - The Witch's Head
HRH's second novel
HRH's second novel
According to McKay and Scott, THE WITCH'S HEAD was first published in London by Hurst and Blackett in 3 volumes on December 18, 1884, though dated 1885. Only 500 sets were printed.
According to McKay and Scott, THE WITCH'S HEAD was first published in London by Hurst and Blackett in 3 volumes on December 18, 1884, though dated 1885. Only 500 sets were printed.
Whatmore claims the publication date was December 22, 1884.
John and Robert Maxwell published in London a 1-volume edition, supposedly May 1887. It has a black and white frontispiece.
Harpers published a 1-volume edition in New York with 1887 on the title-page.
Spencer Blackett published in London a 1-volume edition, supposedly in 1887, with a color frontispiece by E. Hume.
Later, circa 1893, Blackett published a new edition with 16 illustrations by Charles Kerr.
Circa 1906 George Newnes published in London an edition with 8 illustrations by Cyrus Cuneo.
I do not own any of the books pictured below, unless noted.
First British edition title-pages
First British edition title-pages
One of the 500 first edition sets of 3 volumes. This set was gifted to HRH's sister, Mary.
One of the 500 first edition sets of 3 volumes. This set was gifted to HRH's sister, Mary.
One of the 500 first edition sets of 3 volumes. This set was gifted to HRH's sister, Ella.
One of the 500 first edition sets of 3 volumes. This set was gifted to HRH's sister, Ella.
This set of volumes once owned by Ella sold in May 2021 for $5,829 plus an additional 30% Buyer's Premium, for a total over $7,500
This set of volumes once owned by Ella sold in May 2021 for $5,829 plus an additional 30% Buyer's Premium, for a total over $7,500
My copy of the Harpers first American edition
My copy of the Harpers first American edition
Harpers first American edition title-page, my copy
Harpers first American edition title-page, my copy
John & Robert Maxwell 1-volume reprint
John & Robert Maxwell 1-volume reprint
Maxwell 1-volume reprint frontispiece and title-page
Maxwell 1-volume reprint frontispiece and title-page
Maxwell 1-volume reprint frontispiece
Maxwell 1-volume reprint frontispiece
Spencer Blackett 1-volume reprint with black and white frontispiece and title-page
Spencer Blackett 1-volume reprint with black and white frontispiece and title-page
Spencer Blackett 1-volume reprint color frontispiece
Spencer Blackett 1-volume reprint color frontispiece
Spencer Blackett 1-volume reprint title-page
Spencer Blackett 1-volume reprint title-page
Spencer Blackett 1893 1-volume reprint, Charles Kerr frontispiece
Spencer Blackett 1893 1-volume reprint, Charles Kerr frontispiece
Spencer Blackett 1893 1-volume reprint, title-page showing 26th Thousand
Spencer Blackett 1893 1-volume reprint, title-page showing 26th Thousand
Spencer Blackett 1893 1-volume reprint with 16 new illustrations by Charles Kerr, my copy
Spencer Blackett 1893 1-volume reprint with 16 new illustrations by Charles Kerr, my copy
See the VisualHaggard.org page dedicated to the illustrations found in various editions.
See the VisualHaggard.org page dedicated to the illustrations found in various editions.
My rebound 1903 SIGNED copy that HRH gifted to John Hays Hammond, part of a set of 23 volumes
My rebound 1903 SIGNED copy that HRH gifted to John Hays Hammond, part of a set of 23 volumes
This copy has the Charles Kerr illustrations.
Newnes paperback reprints, some of which have 8 illustrations by Cyrus Cuneo
Newnes paperback reprints, some of which have 8 illustrations by Cyrus Cuneo
Street & Smith paperback reprint
Street & Smith paperback reprint
Arthur Westbrook paperback reprint
Arthur Westbrook paperback reprint
My copy of the Pearson's reprint in original DJ
My copy of the Pearson's reprint in original DJ
Below is an excerpt from HRH's autobiography concerning THE WITCH'S HEAD
Below is an excerpt from HRH's autobiography concerning THE WITCH'S HEAD
