BALAOO. Translated by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos

Hurst and Blackett, Limited. London. 1913. FIRST ENGLISH EDITION. 8vo. viii.376,24 pp publishers adverts for Autumn 1913, including blurb for this book with the title The Mysterious Mr. Noel. This was changed to Balaoo before publication but after the adverts were typeset. Very good bright, tight copy with previous owners name written neatly in ink to front blank endpaper. Some light foxing to a few pages but still generally a nice fresh copy. Publishers red cloth with blind ruled border and gilt lettering to front board. Spine lettered and ruled in gilt. A particularly nice copy of this rare title by the Author of The Phantom of the Opera. Originally published in French in 1912, Balaoo is the story of a Monkey who is brought up by a Scientist as a human, Mr. Noel. He is educated and can read and write and wears the latest Paris fashions. Balaoo is suspected of committing many crimes, culminating in the kidnapping of Mlle. Madeline, the daughter of the scientist who brought him up. Filmed three times, First as Balaoo, in 1913 (a 24 minute silent film). Twice filmed by Hollywood, first in 1927 as silent movie The Wizard, which was remade in 1942 as Dr. Renault's secret. A superior copy.