Dated 1898, the novel was actually issued December 2, 1897, in an edition of 1,500 copies; the advertisements at the rear are dated 1897.

First edition, first issue; 8vo (196 x 142 mm, 7¾ x 5½ in); 20pp. publisher's advertisements bound in at end, ink ownership inscriptions to front pastedown and front free endpaper; publisher's dark grey cloth, spine and upper cover gilt-lettered with gilt life buoy design to upper cover, blindstamp to lower cover, leaves uncut, hinges starting to split, extremities slightly rubbed.

Wise 3.