Kipling, Rudyard

i) Abaft the Funnel. New York: B.W. Dodge & Company, 1909, first (unauthorized) edition, first issue, original deep blue cloth lettered in gilt and with design in black, DUST-JACKET, minor blemish to title-page, minor browning; ii) Abaft the Funnel. New York: B.W. Dodge & Company, 1909, first (unauthorized) edition, second issue, original deep blue cloth lettered in red and with design in black, DUST-JACKET; both 8vo (190 x 125mm.), extremities of dust-jackets slightly frayed (2)

Richards A227

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

The American publisher B.W. Dodge published this collection of Kipling’s contributions from various Indian newspapers in October 1909 at $1.50. It was, in the words of Kipling, “issued without any knowledge, consent or authorization”. The author therefore instructed his regular American publisher, Doubleday, to produce a rival publication (which sold for 19 cents) and this was published in December 1909. The second issue binding of this piracy, with red lettering rather than gold, is thought to be an attempt by the publishers to remain competitive with the authorized edition.