Literature
HUME, Fergus W.
The Mystery of a Hansom Cab. A startling and realistic story of Melbourne social life.
The Hansom Cab Publishing Co., London, n.d. [1887]. First edition[?]; stating "two-hundred and twenty-fifth thousand on titlepage". 8vo. Publisher's pictorial wrappers printed in black, advertisement to verso of front and back cover, 2pp. of ads, 230pp., plus 2pp. of ads at rear, some foxing, light overall wear with minimal chipping, mainly to covers. A very good and firm copy of this tale of criminal investigation.
Fergus Hume was a British lawyer who had emigrated to New Zealand before settling in Melbourne, the novel's setting. Hume published his novel himself after numerous Australian publishers turned down the book in the belief that "no Colonial could write anything worth reading". The novel was an immediate success, although not even Hume could have foreseen the extent of the novel's popularity when he sold the rights to the book for lb50. (Christopher Pittard, 2003)
Price: £ 350
US Dollar Price: $ 530
Stock Number: 62581