Stevenson, Robert Louis.

8vo, 16 illustrations by W.B. Hole, presentation copy inscribed by the author ("Susannah Wildman | from | Robert Louis Stevenson | April 19th 1890. 'Janet Nicoll' | (at Auckland N.Z."),  , advertisements at the end, original green cloth, bagpipe design in black on upper cover, leafy design in black on lower cover, preserved in collector's black cloth folding box, frontispiece map missing and supplied from later edition, heavily damp-stained  and discoloured at the begining and end, some further browning to text, some marginal tears, hinges partially broken, cloth heavily torn and water-damaged

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Inscribed copies of Stevenson's works are rare: ony one other copy of Kidnapped inscribed by the author has been sold at auction in the last 35 years. As recorded in the inscription Stevenson inscribed this illustrated edition of one of his most celebrated works on board the trading steamer Janet Nicoll, whilst it was docked at Auckland harbour in New Zealand, towards the end of a voyage which took him, his wife and stepson to many remote places. A few months earlier Stevenson had purchased his beautiful plantation of 300 acres (which he called "Vailima" or Five Waters) on the Samoan island of Upolu, where he was to spend the remaining four years of his life.

Kidnapped was first published by Cassell in 1886. The first illustrated edition (Prideaux p.48) appeared in 1887 in cloth boards of various colours and ornamental designs. Judging from the collation supplied by Prideaux, this is a reprint of that edition, but with a new title page. It appears to be quite rare, with no copy in the British Library and only two recorded on COPAC.