Marie Corelli — The Devil&Apos;S Motor: A Fantasy

London, Hodder and Stoughton, 1910. First edition. Cloth. A strikingly illustrated first edition of this work of fantasy fiction from successful novelist Marie Corelli. A unique work, this first edition is illustrated throughout by ghoulish tipped-in colour plates from artist Arthur Severn. Fitting with the subject of the story, the pages of this work are designed to look smoke stained and produce the aroma of motor oil.Marie Corelli was British novelist who enjoyed a period of great success from the publication of her first novel in 1886 until the First World War, when her reputation was diminished as a consequence for her conviction of food-hoarding. This was the author's humorous and creative campaign against the motor car.Produced in collaboration with painter Arthur Severn, an artist and friend of John Ruskin with whom she formed an unrequited romantic attachment, writing to him daily for over a decade. Severn was married, and in fact often often belittled Corelli's success. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Bright. Bumping to spine head and tail. Internally, firmly bound. Pages generally clean, with some handling marks towards the start of the work. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Arthur Severn. Very Good Indeed .