A rare beast, Stoker’s first novel, published on the 18th of November 1890, with the title post-dated 1891. Preceding Stoker’s most famous work Dracula by 6-7 years, this adventure novel concerning the discovery of lost treasure and the crown of the legendary king of the snakes is set in Western Ireland, and contains some interesting subtle gothic notes foreshadowing the author’s later works.

Inscribed on the half-title, ‘G. Biggs from Bram Stoker 20.11.90’, under which someone, probably G.Biggs, has helpfully also noted in pencil, ‘2 days after publication’.