THE HOLE OF THE PIT.
London: Edward Arnold, 1914. First Edition (& 1st printing). Octavo, original light brown cloth, front and spine panels stamped in dark brown. pp. [i-vii] viii 1-300 + 8-page undated publisher's catalogue "Selections From Mr. Edward Arnold's List of New and Recent Books" (listing this title under 'New 6/- Fiction') inserted at rear. Formerly, the Spectrum of Fantasy copy, with George Locke's small "Ex-Spectrum" book label on the inner front cover. Minor scattered foxing to page edges and preliminary leaves; small faint ownership stamp ("H.B. Alford") on front free endpaper; a very good to near fine copy. A sharp copy of a celebrated genre rarity. Item #313179
¶ "Historical romance of hauntings and diabolism, and the siege of a seaside castle during the English Civil War by 'The Fiend from the Pit,' an amorphous mass of cold gray slime 'that feeds on flesh and blood.' Written in a graceful pastiche of seventeenth century prose, this novel boasts strong characterizations, a fine brooding atmosphere, and several effective eruptions of stark horror." - Robert Knowlton. "... powerful and atmospheric novel ... dedicated to his friend M. R. James although it is more in the style of W. Hope Hodgson at his best ... This novel is a neglected masterpiece of horror." - Sullivan (ed), The Penguin Encyclopedia of Horror and the Supernatural, p. 363.
Price: $2,500.00