The Prisoner of Zenda First Edition 1894 Signed Anthony Hope Hawkins Autograph Letter Play Adaptation Original Leather Binding Arrowsmith

Anthony Hope

Edité par Bristol: J. W. Arrowsmith; London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., [circa 1890s–early 1900s], London, 1894

A propos de cet article

A landmark of late Victorian fiction The Prisoner of Zenda established Anthony Hope as one of the defining literary figures of his generation and gave rise to the enduring tradition of the Ruritanian romance. Its immediate success led to widespread readership and rapid adaptation for the stage where the story found a second and equally influential life.

This example stands apart as a rare and compelling association copy bringing together the printed work and the authors direct involvement in its theatrical development.

Included is a handwritten autograph letter signed Anthony Hope Hawkins written from 14 Gower Street London in which the author discusses the timing and progress of the dramatic adaptation. The letter reflects Hopes active role in shaping the transition of the novel from page to performance and provides a clear connection between the creation of the work and its early theatrical success.

Such correspondence is seldom encountered with the book itself and here provides a documented link between the literary text and its dramatic afterlife elevating the volume from a first edition into a materially significant artefact of the works broader cultural history.

Bibliography and Edition;
First edition first issue
Published by J W Arrowsmith Bristol 1894
One of the defining adventure novels of the nineteenth century

Original leather binding gilt lettered to upper cover and spine

The survival of the work in leather rather than standard cloth represents a more desirable and durable contemporary presentation
Housed in a slipcase

Condition;
Binding worn at spine with some fraying and minor loss at extremities
Boards with light rubbing and handling marks
Internally clean with mild toning consistent with age
Autograph letter well preserved with original fold lines

A very good example overall with strong presence

Why This Matters;
Most copies of The Prisoner of Zenda exist solely as texts

This copy preserves the author voice in motion

The inclusion of a signed letter discussing the stage adaptation places the book within the moment it expanded beyond literature into performance capturing the point at which the work became a cultural phenomenon rather than simply a published novel

It is this convergence of first edition text author signature and relevant correspondence that defines true association material.

N° de réf. du vendeur ABE-1774560981953

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: The Prisoner of Zenda First Edition 1894 Signed Anthony Hope Hawkins Autograph Letter Play Adaptation Original Leather Binding Arrowsmith
• Éditeur: Bristol: J. W. Arrowsmith; London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., [circa 1890s?early 1900s], London
• Date de parution: 1894
• Langue: anglais
• Reliure: Couverture rigide
• État de l'article: Assez bon
• Signé: Signé par l'auteur