The Explorer (1909)
Title
The Explorer (1909)
Creator
Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset), 1874-1965
Publisher
The Baker & Taylor Co.
Date
1909-01
Description
The true first is the UK edition published by Heinemann in 1907. For some reason the price is sky high for this lesser work.
The novel was based on the play in the same name, written in 1899 (Stott 50).
An interesting fact that I got from the seller Harold B. Diamond is that there are two variations in this binding. He reported that at the bottom of the spine, he had seen the imprint of The Baker & Taylor Co. printed in all caps and in title case in different copies.
One of the pages Stott registers as having an illustration is wrong. It should be facing p. 98 instead of p. 198.
Summary:
A novel about conflicting feelings of self-integrity, filial love, romantic love. Lucy Allerton and Alec MacKenzie have to choose between grasping happiness that is their due and upholding a set of moral values that define themselves. Alec MacKenzie, the strong and world-changing explorer, finds himself above petty social conventions; Lucy Allerton, last descendent of an old family, finds herself unable to overcome family pride. Standing between them is the world and George Allerton, Lucy's rotten brother who not only plunges the good family name in mud, but also, unknowingly, seals the fate of the sister he much loves, even beyond his grave.
Characters:
Alec MacKenzie
Lucy Allerton
George Allerton
Fred Allerton
Dick Lomas
Mrs. Julia Crowley
Lady Alice Kelsey
Robert Boulger
Macinnery
Walker
Dr. Adamson
Canon Spratte
Butler Miller
Mallins
Carbery
Collation:
p. [1] half-title, inset of frontispiece with tissue guard, p. [3] title, p. [4] copyright, p. [5] dedication, "To My Dear Mrs. G. W. Steevens", pp. [7]-297 main text
p. [1] half-title, inset of frontispiece with tissue guard, p. [3] title, p. [4] copyright, p. [5] dedication, "To My Dear Mrs. G. W. Steevens", pp. [7]-297 main text
Format
19 x 12.5 cm, hardcover
Subject
Colonies -- Fiction.
Identifier
Stott A10c
MMC_N_E1909BT
Type
Text
Rights
Public domain
Language
en
Relation
The story is based on a play with the same name, written in 1899 and published in 1912.
Image
Edition
First American and first illustrated edition
Publisher's Location
New York
Format
Print book
Genre
Novel
Cover
#3E3517 (Thatch Green)
Dust Jacket
No
Year of Acquisition
2010
Original Cost
US$1.50 in 1909
Collection
Citation
Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset), 1874-1965, “The Explorer (1909),” My Maugham Collection, accessed April 27, 2024, https://mymaughamcollection.omeka.net/items/show/13.