This is the

First Edition

(i.e. the First Impression/Printing).

It was published by Chapman & Hall, London in 1895 as No. 2 in their 'Chapman's Story Series; Tales of Accident, Incident, and Adventure'.

This book was issued in two bindings. A paper wrapper issue, priced at 2s. 6d and a cloth, gilt top which was priced at 3s. 6d. The original pencilled price remains at the head of the verso of the front fly leaf.

The guard has a little foxing, which has offset onto the title page and the frontispiece, otherwise a good clean copy internally.

With an Ex Libris plate of H.B. Mapleton on the front pastedown.

Bound in its original blue cloth with gilt lettering and art nouveau designs on the spine and upper cover. Top edge gilt. A little rubbed at the head and foot of the spine, otherwise a very good copy.

This is the true First Edition which not only precedes the American edition by a few days but is harder to find. The American edition did not include a frontispiece.

Henry Banbury Mapleton was the Medical Officer of Health for Newton Abbot Urban and District councils, and both Dawlish councils as well, from 1900 to 1932. He campaigned to improve public health, either by prosecuting shopkeepers flouting regulations or through his fund-raising events on behalf of the town’s poorest families.

Initially, Dr Mapleton was appointed Medical Officer of Health for just twelve months. He was still in place thirty two years later when he died aged 69 at his home, Wonwell, in Highweek, by then in Newton Abbot. 

In his younger days he played cricket and was selected to play for his county making his debut in 1884 against Wiltshire at Marlborough. He also played rugby for Newton Abbot and was capped by Devon between 1883-87.

After 1897, when he qualified as a Public Health Inspector, Dr Mapleton’s cricket career started to slow to around twenty games a season. He was still playing in 1912, aged 49. - [Information from an article by Conrad Sutcliffe].

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