H. Rider Haggard — Heu-Heu, or the Monster

London, Hutchinson & Co, 1924 . First edition. Paperback. A vanishingly scarce 'Corrected Proof' copy of H. Rider Haggard's novel about Allan Quatermain's encounter with a Rhodesian monster. A proof of Haggard's novel, which features a legend about a giant gorilla monster, to which young women are sacrificed. With 'Proof' stamped in ink to the title page, and with 'Corrected' handwritten in pencil above the stamp. With a further 'Proof' stamp to the 'Author's Note' leaf.Due to the similarities in topic, some have suggested that Haggard's novel may have inspired 1933's motion picture 'King Kong&apos.With the January 1945 inscription of former owner Eustace Hope to the half title.Proof copies of H. Rider Haggard's works are very scarce. In the original paper wraps. Wraps age toned, with significant loss of paper and closed tears to back strip tail, and further small loss to back strip head. Significant loss to head of front wrap. Spotting to fore edge of text block. Inscription to half title. Internally, firmly bound. Pencil inscription and ink stamp to the title page. Pages bright, with instances of light spotting throughout, most concentrated to page perimeters. Good . Ill.: None. Good .