London: Cassell and Company, Ltd., 1885. First Edition. Bound by Bayntun-Riviere in full red calf, gilt rules on the boards, raised bands on the spine, morocco spine labels, marbled end papers and all edges gilt, cloth covers bound in at the rear. A very handsome production, likely mid-20th century. Expertly rebacked with the original spine laid down. Map with a short tear professionally closed.

First issue with the following points: p.10 - "Bamamgwato"; p.122 3rd line up - "let twins to live"; p. 307 footnote, second to last line - "wrod." Ads dated 5 G. 8.85. One of approximately 1000 first issue copies.

H. Rider Haggard’s influential Victorian adventure tale. King Solomon’s Mines follows the adventure of Sir Allan Quatermain, who ends up discovering the lost civilization of Kukuanaland. (Indeed, the book is thought to have been the inspiration for the entire genre of “Lost World” science fiction -- and influenced writers as diverse as HP Lovecraft and Michael Crichton.) Even though Haggard was inspired to write the book because of a wager with his brother – and finished it in less than four months – King Solomon's Mines would prove to be a best seller. “Mr. Haggard has little prestige on this side of the water, but it will be unjust if “King Solomon’s Mines” does not bring him renown” (Contemporary New York Times Book Review). Near Fine (Item #2123)