The Log of the Flying-Fish (1887)

First US edition, likely second printing, decorative hardcover, circa 1887/88. Identification of first editions is complicated and is partially addressed below. Overall condition is good. Boards show moderate patina, wear especially to edges and corners. Prior owner's stamp on front blank, moderate foxing to title page and last few pages of ads, occasional smudge, no tears or folds. Hinges and gutters starting but should hold with proper handling. Paginates: blanks, 384, 24, blanks plus 12 unpaginated plates. All edges gilt. Please see images of the book you will receive. Notes: Popular British author with this title being one of his better known works. An example of early science fiction with a flying submarine. More Notes: True 1st ed. are 1887 by Blackie & Son, London with 1887 date on title page. Most US 1st edition books in this series had a date on the title page but is not the case with this title. This copy with "Christmas, 1886" date at top of ads in back. The first ad is for G. A. Henty's "The Lion of St. Mark" making this likely a second printing. A first printing will have an ad for "Two Thousand Years Ago" by Church. For collectors, dealers and the terminally curious I have prepared a monograph with citations. Feel free to inquire.