The author's first work. Bound in the publisher's quarter buckram with pictorial paper covered boards. The front board is a little discoloured and toned towards the edges, with the central illustration remaining bright; rear board a little more tired, with marks and some grubbiness. Spine a little discoloured, with some marks and wear and some bumping to the spine ends. Small neat ownership inscription to the upper corner of the front pastedown. The binding remains firm. The leaves are a little spotted throughout, heavier to prelims. Seven pages of publisher's advertisements bound to the rear. A good first edition of G. K. Chesterton's first published work.