Title:
The Wrecker
Genre:
Adventure
Action
Show More
Series:
Standalone
Series Order:
1891
Binding:
Hardcover
Narrative:
Third Person
Type of Book:
Fiction
Number of Chapters:
59
Date Added:
2018-06-26 17:45:12
Synopsis:
Book Overview: The Wrecker (1892)
The Wrecker is a sprawling adventure novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson in collaboration with his stepson, Lloyd Osbourne. Published at the height of Stevenson’s fame, it is a ”South Sea yarn” that blends elements of a mystery, a business satire, and a high-seas thriller.
The plot follows Loudon Dodd, an American art student in Paris who eventually finds himself in San Francisco. He and his friend Jim Pinkerton purchase the wreck of a ship called the Flying Scud at an auction, believing it contains hidden treasure. This leads them on a dangerous journey to Midway Atoll, eventually unraveling a dark secret involving the ship’s original crew.
Is it a First Edition?
Yes. Based on your photos, this is a British first edition, first printing.
* Publisher: Cassell & Company, Limited (London, Paris & Melbourne).
* Date: 1892.
* Identification: True first editions of the London issue are bound in the blue cloth seen in your first image and include illustrations by William Hole and W.L. Metcalf.
* Verification Tip: Check the very back of the book for a catalogue of publisher’s advertisements. A first printing typically has ads dated ”5.92” (May 1892) or ”2.92.”
Historical Importance
While not as famous as Treasure Island or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Wrecker holds significant literary value for several reasons:
* Pacific Perspective: It was one of Stevenson’s first major attempts to weave his real-life experiences living in the South Pacific into fiction.
* Genre-Blending: It is considered an early example of a ”shilling shocker” that experimented with narrative structure, moving away from linear storytelling to a more ”panoramic” style.
* The Stevenson-Osbourne Partnership: It is one of the most successful collaborations between Stevenson and his stepson, reflecting the transition of Stevenson’s writing style toward more realistic, gritty themes in his final years.
Estimated Value
The value of this book depends heavily on its condition. Looking at your photos, the blue cloth shows some wear, rubbing on the spine, and minor staining on the cover.
* Good/Fair Condition (similar to yours): Typically sells for $60 – $120.
* Very Good/Fine Condition: If the binding is tight and the gilt lettering on the spine is bright, it can reach $200 – $350.
* Association Copies: If the book has a signature or ”provenance” (ownership history) related to the authors, the price can climb into the thousands.
> Note: To maximize value, avoid cleaning the cloth yourself, as chemical cleaners can strip the original 19th-century dyes.
>
Would you like me to help you identify any specific markings in the advertisements at the back to confirm the exact printing month?
Based on the images provided, you have a copy of the book The Wrecker, a novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd Osbourne. Here is an overview of the book and its potential value.
Book Overview
The Wrecker is a novel published in 1892. It’s a ”sprawling, episodic adventure story” that combines elements of a comedy of manners and a detective mystery. The plot revolves around a mysterious abandoned ship, the Flying Scud, at Midway Atoll, and the protagonist’s quest to solve the mystery of its missing crew.
The collaboration between Stevenson and Osbourne was a result of their shared time in the Pacific, where they charted a yacht and later a trading schooner, an experience that heavily influenced Stevenson’s later works. The novel is a part of his ”South Sea yarns” and provides a fictionalized account of some of their real-life adventures.
Historical Importance
The Wrecker is historically significant as a work by Robert Louis Stevenson, one of the most celebrated authors of the late 19th century, known for classics like Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. While perhaps not as famous as his other works, it is an important part of his literary output and provides insight into his travels and later writing style. The novel’s themes of adventure and mystery, combined with its setting in the South Pacific, reflect the era’s fascination with exploration and colonial commerce.
Is it a First Edition?
The images show the book was published by Cassell & Company, Limited, London, Paris & Melbourne, 1892. This date is consistent with the first publication of the novel. The title page information, especially the publisher and the year, are key indicators. Many first editions published by Cassell & Company in 1892 would have the same details.
However, to be certain of its status as a true first edition, a book collector would need to examine other details, such as:
* Pagination: The page count of a first edition is often specific (e.g., vi, 427 pages plus 12 pages of publisher’s ads).
* Illustrations: The presence and order of the illustrations, often noted as being by William Hole and W.L. Metcalf, can be a crucial detail.
* Publisher’s Advertisements: The content and order of any advertisements for other books at the back of the volume can help distinguish a true first edition from a later printing in the same year.
* Binding: The color and material of the book’s binding (in your case, a dark blue cloth binding) and any specific embossing or gilt lettering can be unique to the first printing.
Given the information on the title page, it’s highly probable you have a first edition or a very early printing from the same year.
Value
The value of a book like this can vary significantly based on its condition and whether it is a true first edition.
* Condition: The photos show some wear and what appear to be age spots on the pages and cover. The overall condition, especially the integrity of the binding and the cleanliness of the pages, is the most important factor.
* First Edition Status: A confirmed first edition is more valuable than a later printing.
* Market Price: A first edition of The Wrecker in good to very good condition can be worth anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars. Copies in poor condition with detached bindings or significant damage will have a much lower value.
To get a more precise valuation, you would need to have the book appraised by a professional bookseller specializing in rare or antique books. They can confirm the edition and provide a more accurate market value based on the specific condition of your copy.
First edition, first impression, of Stevenson’s comedy of manners, the first of two novels set in the South Seas and written in collaboration with his stepson, the second being The Ebb-Tide (1894). ”As for The Wrecker, it ’s a machine, you know - don’t expect aught else - a machine, and a police machine; but I believe the end is one of the most genuine butcheries in literature; and we point to our machine with a modest pride, as the only police machine without a villain. Our criminals are a most pleasing crew, and leave the dock with scarce a stain upon their character.” (Stevenson writing to Henry James, 1891). Beinecke & McKay 558. Octavo. Original blue cloth, titles to spine gilt. Black and white frontispiece with tissue-guard and 11 plates.
Based on the images provided, here is an overview of the book:
Book Overview
The book is titled ”The Wrecker.” It was co-written by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne and illustrated by William Hole and W. L. Metcalf. The publisher is Cassell & Company, Limited, with locations listed as London, Paris, and Melbourne. A close-up of the verso of the title page shows the publication year: 1892.
Historical Importance
”The Wrecker” is historically important as a work by Robert Louis Stevenson, one of the most celebrated and influential authors of the late 19th century, known for works like ”Treasure Island” and ”Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” The book is a collaborative effort with his stepson, Lloyd Osbourne, which is a notable detail in Stevenson’s bibliography. The novel itself is a maritime adventure and mystery. Its importance lies in its place within Stevenson’s body of work and its contribution to the adventure genre.
First Edition
The publication date of 1892 on the title page and the publisher’s imprint ”Cassell & Company, Limited” confirm that this is a first edition of ”The Wrecker.” The book was first serialized in periodicals between 1891 and 1892 and was first published in book form by Cassell & Co. in 1892.
Value
The value of this book is determined by several factors:
* Positive factors for value:
* First Edition: As a true first edition of a work by a major author, the book has intrinsic value to collectors.
* Collaboration: The co-authorship with Lloyd Osbourne adds an interesting dimension for Stevenson collectors.
* Illustrations: The presence of illustrations by William Hole and W. L. Metcalf can be a desirable feature.
* Negative factors for value:
* Condition: The images show the book has a worn blue cloth binding. The spine appears faded and has marks, and the boards show some wear. The condition of a book, especially a first edition, is the most significant factor in determining its value. A copy in better condition (brighter boards, less wear) would be worth considerably more.
To determine a precise value, you would need to consult a rare book dealer or an auction house specializing in modern literature. They would compare its condition to recent sales of the first edition of ”The Wrecker.” As a first edition by a major author, even in a worn state, it would have some value to collectors, but a fine or near-fine copy would be worth significantly more.
The Wrecker is a sprawling adventure novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson in collaboration with his stepson, Lloyd Osbourne. Published at the height of Stevenson’s fame, it is a ”South Sea yarn” that blends elements of a mystery, a business satire, and a high-seas thriller.
The plot follows Loudon Dodd, an American art student in Paris who eventually finds himself in San Francisco. He and his friend Jim Pinkerton purchase the wreck of a ship called the Flying Scud at an auction, believing it contains hidden treasure. This leads them on a dangerous journey to Midway Atoll, eventually unraveling a dark secret involving the ship’s original crew.
Is it a First Edition?
Yes. Based on your photos, this is a British first edition, first printing.
* Publisher: Cassell & Company, Limited (London, Paris & Melbourne).
* Date: 1892.
* Identification: True first editions of the London issue are bound in the blue cloth seen in your first image and include illustrations by William Hole and W.L. Metcalf.
* Verification Tip: Check the very back of the book for a catalogue of publisher’s advertisements. A first printing typically has ads dated ”5.92” (May 1892) or ”2.92.”
Historical Importance
While not as famous as Treasure Island or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Wrecker holds significant literary value for several reasons:
* Pacific Perspective: It was one of Stevenson’s first major attempts to weave his real-life experiences living in the South Pacific into fiction.
* Genre-Blending: It is considered an early example of a ”shilling shocker” that experimented with narrative structure, moving away from linear storytelling to a more ”panoramic” style.
* The Stevenson-Osbourne Partnership: It is one of the most successful collaborations between Stevenson and his stepson, reflecting the transition of Stevenson’s writing style toward more realistic, gritty themes in his final years.
Estimated Value
The value of this book depends heavily on its condition. Looking at your photos, the blue cloth shows some wear, rubbing on the spine, and minor staining on the cover.
* Good/Fair Condition (similar to yours): Typically sells for $60 – $120.
* Very Good/Fine Condition: If the binding is tight and the gilt lettering on the spine is bright, it can reach $200 – $350.
* Association Copies: If the book has a signature or ”provenance” (ownership history) related to the authors, the price can climb into the thousands.
> Note: To maximize value, avoid cleaning the cloth yourself, as chemical cleaners can strip the original 19th-century dyes.
>
Would you like me to help you identify any specific markings in the advertisements at the back to confirm the exact printing month?
Based on the images provided, you have a copy of the book The Wrecker, a novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd Osbourne. Here is an overview of the book and its potential value.
Book Overview
The Wrecker is a novel published in 1892. It’s a ”sprawling, episodic adventure story” that combines elements of a comedy of manners and a detective mystery. The plot revolves around a mysterious abandoned ship, the Flying Scud, at Midway Atoll, and the protagonist’s quest to solve the mystery of its missing crew.
The collaboration between Stevenson and Osbourne was a result of their shared time in the Pacific, where they charted a yacht and later a trading schooner, an experience that heavily influenced Stevenson’s later works. The novel is a part of his ”South Sea yarns” and provides a fictionalized account of some of their real-life adventures.
Historical Importance
The Wrecker is historically significant as a work by Robert Louis Stevenson, one of the most celebrated authors of the late 19th century, known for classics like Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. While perhaps not as famous as his other works, it is an important part of his literary output and provides insight into his travels and later writing style. The novel’s themes of adventure and mystery, combined with its setting in the South Pacific, reflect the era’s fascination with exploration and colonial commerce.
Is it a First Edition?
The images show the book was published by Cassell & Company, Limited, London, Paris & Melbourne, 1892. This date is consistent with the first publication of the novel. The title page information, especially the publisher and the year, are key indicators. Many first editions published by Cassell & Company in 1892 would have the same details.
However, to be certain of its status as a true first edition, a book collector would need to examine other details, such as:
* Pagination: The page count of a first edition is often specific (e.g., vi, 427 pages plus 12 pages of publisher’s ads).
* Illustrations: The presence and order of the illustrations, often noted as being by William Hole and W.L. Metcalf, can be a crucial detail.
* Publisher’s Advertisements: The content and order of any advertisements for other books at the back of the volume can help distinguish a true first edition from a later printing in the same year.
* Binding: The color and material of the book’s binding (in your case, a dark blue cloth binding) and any specific embossing or gilt lettering can be unique to the first printing.
Given the information on the title page, it’s highly probable you have a first edition or a very early printing from the same year.
Value
The value of a book like this can vary significantly based on its condition and whether it is a true first edition.
* Condition: The photos show some wear and what appear to be age spots on the pages and cover. The overall condition, especially the integrity of the binding and the cleanliness of the pages, is the most important factor.
* First Edition Status: A confirmed first edition is more valuable than a later printing.
* Market Price: A first edition of The Wrecker in good to very good condition can be worth anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars. Copies in poor condition with detached bindings or significant damage will have a much lower value.
To get a more precise valuation, you would need to have the book appraised by a professional bookseller specializing in rare or antique books. They can confirm the edition and provide a more accurate market value based on the specific condition of your copy.
First edition, first impression, of Stevenson’s comedy of manners, the first of two novels set in the South Seas and written in collaboration with his stepson, the second being The Ebb-Tide (1894). ”As for The Wrecker, it ’s a machine, you know - don’t expect aught else - a machine, and a police machine; but I believe the end is one of the most genuine butcheries in literature; and we point to our machine with a modest pride, as the only police machine without a villain. Our criminals are a most pleasing crew, and leave the dock with scarce a stain upon their character.” (Stevenson writing to Henry James, 1891). Beinecke & McKay 558. Octavo. Original blue cloth, titles to spine gilt. Black and white frontispiece with tissue-guard and 11 plates.
Based on the images provided, here is an overview of the book:
Book Overview
The book is titled ”The Wrecker.” It was co-written by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne and illustrated by William Hole and W. L. Metcalf. The publisher is Cassell & Company, Limited, with locations listed as London, Paris, and Melbourne. A close-up of the verso of the title page shows the publication year: 1892.
Historical Importance
”The Wrecker” is historically important as a work by Robert Louis Stevenson, one of the most celebrated and influential authors of the late 19th century, known for works like ”Treasure Island” and ”Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” The book is a collaborative effort with his stepson, Lloyd Osbourne, which is a notable detail in Stevenson’s bibliography. The novel itself is a maritime adventure and mystery. Its importance lies in its place within Stevenson’s body of work and its contribution to the adventure genre.
First Edition
The publication date of 1892 on the title page and the publisher’s imprint ”Cassell & Company, Limited” confirm that this is a first edition of ”The Wrecker.” The book was first serialized in periodicals between 1891 and 1892 and was first published in book form by Cassell & Co. in 1892.
Value
The value of this book is determined by several factors:
* Positive factors for value:
* First Edition: As a true first edition of a work by a major author, the book has intrinsic value to collectors.
* Collaboration: The co-authorship with Lloyd Osbourne adds an interesting dimension for Stevenson collectors.
* Illustrations: The presence of illustrations by William Hole and W. L. Metcalf can be a desirable feature.
* Negative factors for value:
* Condition: The images show the book has a worn blue cloth binding. The spine appears faded and has marks, and the boards show some wear. The condition of a book, especially a first edition, is the most significant factor in determining its value. A copy in better condition (brighter boards, less wear) would be worth considerably more.
To determine a precise value, you would need to consult a rare book dealer or an auction house specializing in modern literature. They would compare its condition to recent sales of the first edition of ”The Wrecker.” As a first edition by a major author, even in a worn state, it would have some value to collectors, but a fine or near-fine copy would be worth significantly more.
Author:
Robert Louis Stevenson
Show More
Publisher:
Cassell & Company, Limited
Number of Copies:
1
Automatic Estimated Value:
~$20.00
Automatic Estimated Date:
2025-08-17
Date Added:
2018-06-26 17:45:12
