Original crimson cloth, with blindstamped framing on front board, lettered and decorated in gilt. Corners rubbed, foxing, front free endpaper, removed, otherwise good. Agnus/Higginbotham was a follower of Thomas Hardy, writing novels set in "Wessex" (Dorset and the South West), but generally less pessimistic in outlook. "Mr Orme Agnus dares to tread in Mr Hardy's footsteps, but with this difference, that his work is lighter, more laughable, less subjective" (The Morning Leader).