A nice copy of the First Edition in original publishers cloth with the 16pp publishers catalogue bound in at the back.Large 8vo.422pps no ownership marks. Lowrie was an American writer who falling on hard times became suicidal and tossed a coin to decide between death or crime as a way out [ pre-figuring Rhinehart's "The Dice-man"] as a result he commited burglary was subsequently arrested and sentenced to 15 years in San Quentin. Released in 1911 on good behaviour after 10 years.He became a leader in the prison reform movement and it is claimed, influential in the repeal of capital punishment laws.