The Riddle of the Sands | A Record of Secret Service Recently Achieved [Signed] + Magazine Article | Erskine Childers: An Appreciation and a Criticism: A Very Perfect Gentle Knight.

Childers, Erskine [Robert Erskine Childers (25 June 1870 - 24 November 1922) English-born writer and Irish nationalist, whose works include this influential novel]. Alfred Ollivant (1874-1927).

Published by Published by Smith, Elder & Co., 15 Waterloo Place, London Second Impression . 1903., 1903

About this Item

Second impression hard back binding in publisher's original black cloth covered boards, completely faded lettering down the spine, Dulcibella yacht in white to the front board. 8vo. 7½'' x 5¼''. Childer's became a supporter of Irish Republicanism and smuggled guns into Ireland in his sailing yacht Asgard. He was executed by the authorities of the nascent Irish Free State during the Irish Civil War on 24 November 1922, by firing squad at the Beggars Bush Barracks in Dublin. Before his execution he shook hands with the firing squad. He also obtained a promise from his then 16-year-old son, the future President of Ireland, Erskine Hamilton Childers, to seek out and shake the hand of every man who had signed his death sentence. His final words, spoken to the firing squad, were: 'Take a step or two forward, lads, it will be easier that way.' Contains folding map frontispiece, xii, 336, (4) pp publisher's advertisements with 3 further maps and charts. End papers professionally repaired, rubbing to the corners and spine ends, surface marks to the boards. Boldly SIGNED with black fountain ink by the author to the verso of the front free end paper 'Erskine Childers - March 1908', the book was closed before allowing the ink to dry leaving small ink marks to the half-title opposite. Approximately 1500 word 13'' x 9'' double-sided 2½ column article by Alfred Ollivant extracted from 'The Highway' magazine titled 'Erskine Childers: An Appreciation and a Criticism: A Very Perfect Gentle Knight'. Reference to the Asgarde [sic] and the Ulster Campaign of 1912-1914. Member of the P.B.F.A. LITERATURE 1900-1925. Seller Inventory # 108290

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Riddle of the Sands | A Record of Secret...

Publisher: Published by Smith, Elder & Co., 15 Waterloo Place, London Second Impression . 1903.

Publication Date: 1903

Binding: Soft cover

Signed: Signed by Author(s)