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Published by Readr;s Library, 1932
Seller: Lakin & Marley Rare Books ABAA, Mill Valley, CA, U.S.A.
Book First Edition
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Wells, H. G. THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU (Island of Lost Souls). London: Reader's Library, [1932]. First U. K. Photoplay edition released in tandem with the 1932 Paramount Pre-Code science fiction horror film. A Near Fine copy in a Near Fine original dust jacket (spine lettering just a tiny bit faded), a superlative copy of a rarely seen photoplay. Renamed Island of Lost Souls, the film adaptation was directed by Erle Kenton from a script by Philip Wylie and starred Charles Laughton, Richard Arlen, Leila Hyams, and Bela Lugosi. There are no internal stills but the front flap of the dust jacket tells the tale of how this film was banned in England; also, there are references to the film directly in the text as part of an introduction. The plot centers on a remote South Pacific Island where mad scientist, Dr. Moreau, secretly conducts experiments to accelerate evolution in plants and animals, with horrific consequences. It featured "depictions of cruelty, animal-human hybrids, and irreligious ideas." Thus, the release of Island of Lost Souls was wildly controversial. It was banned in many countries, including Great Britian, and in some cases for decades. Ironically, Island of Lost Souls is now hailed as a seminal horror film with cult film status.