DOYLE, Arthur Conan (1859-1930). The Coming of the Fairies. New York: George H. Doran Company, [1922].
8vo. (Some spotting to verso of half-title). 15 illustrations from photographs including frontispiece by Elise Wright and Frances Griffiths. Original brown cloth lettered in black, sepia–toned photograph of “Elise and the Gnome” affixed to upper cover (few tiny spots of soiling or discoloration to rear cover, else fine).
FIRST AMERICAN EDITION of Doyle’s response to the famous Cottingley photographs of fairies that was all the proof the author needed of their existence. Even up until the end of Doyle’s life, he was convinced the photographs were genuine. It wasn’t until 1983 that Elise Wright confessed to the hoax although her cousin Frances maintained to her death that the fifth and final photograph was in fact authentic. Green and Gibson B29b. -- [With:] GARDNER, Edward L. Fairies: The Cottingley Photographs and their Sequel. London: The Theosophical Publishing House, [1945]. Small 4to. Illustrated from photographs. Original cloth-backed boards (extremities sunned).