M. P. Shiel — Shapes in the Fire

London and Boston, None, 1896. Cloth. An early edition of M. P. Shiel's decadent collection of short stories. Along with Shiel's other short story collection 'Prince Zaleski', this early collection was influenced by Edgar Allan Poe. It was considered the most flamboyant work of the English decadent movement. Written by M. P. Shiel, a British author known for his supernatural horror and scientific romances. Lacking the catalogue to the rear of the work which identifies the first state; this is an early edition, dated the same year as the first. In the publisher's original full cloth binding. Externally generally smart; a little bumped to the head and tail of the spine and the extremities. Internally, binding is generally firm; front hinge is strained at the half title page. Pages are just a touch age-toned to the edges. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .