MACHEN, Arthur (pseudonym of JONES, Arthur Llewellyn, 1863-1947). The Terror. London: Duckworth & Co., [1917]. Small 8vo. 190, [1, ads] pp. Publisher's light blue boards, boards and spine stamped in dark blue, publisher's rare unclipped (no price on flaps - price on spine) dust jacket. FIRST EDITION OF THIS NOVEL OF NATURE ATTACKING MAN IN THE SCARCE ORIGINAL DUST JACKET. 

"Science fantasy short novel of sudden hostility towards man of a certain section of the animal kingdom. Something of a predecessor to Daphne du Maurier's 'The Birds'" (Locke I, p. 147). Mysterious deaths begin in rural Wales during WWI. After speculation about German spies, gas, and other weapons abound, it is discovered that the Animal Kingdom (horses, birds, dogs, bees) has turned against mankind.

Binding toned at spine and board edges, light rubbing, lower edge of spine and front corner lightly bumped, endleaves offset, text toned and occasionally wrinkled, pp. 125-128 a bit shorter at lower margin (possibly a binding error), a few gutters overopened; jacket spine toned and chipped, some wear to joints and edges, jacket panels soiled, foxed, a few marginal short tears or chips. Still, very good. Housed in modern brown cloth clamshell case.