A March on London (1898) First Edition – G. A. Henty Illustrated by Margetson
 
A March on London (1898) – First Edition
G. A. Henty
Illustrated by William Henry Margetson (1861–1940)
Illustrated First Edition – A Story of Wat Tyler’s Insurrection
Published by Blackie & Son, Limited (London, Glasgow & Dublin)
 
Features
1898 First Published Edition (dated 1898 at foot of title page; likely issued in 1897)
8 full-page illustrations by William H. Margetson
Includes illustrated frontispiece (loose but present)
Original pictorial stamped cloth binding with gilt lettering
Complete with 32-page rear publisher’s catalogue
 
Bibliographic Details
Author: George Alfred Henty (1832–1902)
Title: A March on London
Illustrator: William Henry Margetson
Publisher: Blackie & Son, Limited
Place: London, Glasgow & Dublin
Date: 1898 (first edition; normally issued late 1897 for Christmas)
Format: Crown 8vo, illustrated
Pagination: 352 pages, plus 32-page catalogue
Dimensions: approx. 19.4 × 13.5 × 4.0 cm
Weight: approx. 722 g
 
Binding & Exterior Condition
Bound in the original pictorial stamped cloth, with gilt lettering and colour illustrations on the front board and spine
Boards and spine intact and robust for nearly 130 years old
Light surface wear including:
small marks and patches of rubbing
gentle bumping at corners
small rips at corner tips
light fading and edge wear
Overall, a well-preserved original binding with expected wear for age.
 
Interior Condition
Pages lightly tanned, consistent with age
Slightly darker tanning on pastedowns and endpapers
All 8 full-page illustrations present; frontispiece is loose but included
Occasional very small foxing, light marks, or tiny creases (no text affected)
Very occasional small edge rip (not obscuring text)
Small rubbing and wear on front pastedown and title page
Pen inscription (“Ralph Edge”) on rear of front free endpaper only
Light gutter cracking between some pages
No missing pages – all 352 + 32 catalogue pages present
 
Illustrations & Collaboration
William Henry Margetson (1861–1940) was a British painter and illustrator known for his portraits and idealised Pre-Raphaelite influenced artwork. Trained at the Royal College of Art and exhibiting at the Royal Academy, Margetson’s illustrations contribute aesthetic and narrative richness to this Henty classic. His plates enhance the historical drama of Wat Tyler’s 1381 insurrection and add significant collector appeal.
 
About the Book
A March on London is a historical adventure novel following the events of Wat Tyler’s Insurrection (1381), a pivotal episode of revolt in medieval England. Written with Henty’s trademark blend of historical context, vivid action, and educational adventure, the narrative appealed to young readers of its day and remains of interest to collectors of Victorian/Edwardian historical fiction.
 
About the Author – G. A. Henty
George Alfred Henty was an English novelist, war correspondent, and one of the most prolific adventure writers of the late nineteenth century. He penned over 100 historical novels, many set in military or exploration contexts, and was especially popular with young readers.