WELLS, H.G. (1866-1946). The Island of Dr Moreau. A Possibility. New York: Stone & Kimball, 1896. Small 8vo. [251] pp. Printed at the University Press in Cambridge for Stone & Kimball, as issued. Publisher's second issue binding of full dark blue cloth, boards and spine stamped in yellow. FIRST AMERICAN EDITION IN SECOND ISSUE BINDING OF WELLS' NOVEL, WHICH SHOCKED READERS AND CRITICS ALIKE WHEN PUBLISHED. 

"It is a pity that Novelist H.G. Wells has so much literary art - he is now using it in so vile a way." (San Francisco Examiner). "This is a romance of vivisection, surpassing in its attempt at mere ghastliness and gruesomeness even that remarkable masterpiece of the young Mrs. Shelley, Frankenstein." (The Elmira Star-Gazette). It has been adapted three times for films: The Island of Lost Souls (1932), and The Island of Dr. Moreau (1977, 1996 - the 1996 version being notorious for the chaos behind the scenes). 

Some rubbing, minor occasional edgewear to boards, rear hinge barely starting, very faint offsetting to endleaves, one small tear at upper margin of half-title. Fine.