The most sought-after of the various novels by prolific writer Grant Allen: 'More successful were the detective stories, written later in his life, many of which appeared in the Strand Magazine, and volumes of detective fiction, of which the most notable is "An African Millionaire: Episodes in the Life of the Illustrious Colonel Clay" (1897)'. (ODNB)

First edition; 8vo; illustrations, 2pp. advertisements, minor staining to top-edge of text-block, occasional foxing and marginal thumb-marking; publisher's green cloth blocked in gilt with device stamped in blind to lower cover, top edge gilt, some minor bumping and edge-wear, overall very good.