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Chapman & Hall, ld., London, Published date: 1905. Hardcover; xii, 100 pp; 19 cm. First edition. Includes 3 unnumbered black and white illustrations, plates reproducing scenes from Charles Dickens The Mystery of Edwin Drood, after original illustrations by S. L. Fildes.
In acceptable condition / NO dust jacket. Original red cloth boards with gilt lettering on front cover and spine; moderate overall rubbing and surface abrasion to cloth, with scattered areas of color loss and a mottled, worn appearance, particularly to the front cover; no staining or damp damage; fraying at spine ends and corners; small loss at head of spine; boards remain sound. Binding intact. Interior pages lightly toned with age; occasional light foxing. Critical literary study by Andrew Lang (1844-1912) examining the unfinished final novel of Charles Dickens, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and proposing a solution to the unresolved plot following Dickens death in 1870. Lang analyzes narrative structure, character evidence, and contemporary illustrations, arguing for a coherent intended resolution consistent with Dickens working methods. The book reflects late Victorian critical engagement with Dickens and early detective-fiction analysis, and is one of the best-known speculative interpretations of Dickens final work. Contents include: Introduction; The Puzzle of Dickens's Last Plot; Conclusion.