First edition. 8vo., original red cloth lettered in gilt. London: Methuen & Co., 1896.
A fine copy in the primary binding of red cloth: with the bold inscription by the author on the half title “Something’s necessary’ - John Davidson.” The quotation is from the short story “The Member for Gotham” included in this volume: the “something” was that Members of Parliament would be literally worked to death: most would be expected to last three years, but the most exceptional might last seven. Davidson lasted eleven: even when ill, he had a remarkable work ethic, and pretty much did work himself to death.
