Among Malay Pirates by G.A. Henty (ca1909 HC no DJ) 

•    Author:                George Alfred Henty (1832–1902) 

•    Illustrator:           J. Watson Devas & others

•    Publisher:            A. L. Burt, Publisher   New York, NY    U.S.A    1909

Among Malay Pirates, A Tale of Adventure and Peril by G. A. Henty.  This title consists of one novella (the title piece) and five short stories. It was first published in book form by Hurst & Co., New York, in 1897. Kennedy & Farmer speculate that the stories were probably collected from the 'Boy's Own Annual' and Blackie books - and might have been pirated. This is quite possible, as there are numerous other American editions of this title and pirating of Henty's stories was quite common around the turn of the century.  iv + 295 + 26pp ads. 

This copy was certainly not published before 1902, as that is the year in which A. L. Burt was incorporated.  This means it was printed after Henty's death. 

George Alfred Henty (1832–1902) was a prolific English novelist and war correspondent.  He is best known for his historical adventure stories that were popular in the late 19th century. 

Hardcover has green cloth boards with 3 color illustrations & lettering front and spine, but no DJ.  Gold shadowbox holds title on spine.  Page-edges tinted green by prior owner.  Corners square and not worn through.  Interior is complete & tight, torn pages stabilized with tape.   Front facing end page has POS & date stamp 1910. Text unmarked and Brentano's New York sticker on rear paste-down. 

Brentano's was founded as an independent bookstore in New York City in 1853 by August Brentano, who established a newsstand in front of the New York Hotel. On the eve of the Great Depression, the firm had expanded rapidly to become the largest bookstore chain in the nation with four stores in New York City, plus single stores in Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington along with operating international stores and publishing houses. The debt-load from this expansion caused the company to file for bankruptcy in 1933. Brentano's US stores operated until 1984 as part of Borders-Waldenbooks. 

•    Size:  12mo - over 6¾ - 7¾" tall,    325pp..

•    Condition:  Good Hardcover, no Jacket  –   Always privately owned. 

No copyright, publication nor printing dates.  1909 printing assumed from date stamp in front of book.  Likely a pirated reprint after Henty's death.  No ISBN or LCCN.  MSR = US $1.00.   

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. 

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.  

 Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy.