Shadowmancer (Signed and Inscribed)

First edition, first impression.  Signed and dated by G P Taylor on the title page. Oct 2002, together with his small sketch of a broomstick and dagger either side of a character face . Publisher’s blind stamp also on the title page.  252pp. Glossy, illustrated stiff card covers (paperback B format).  Short 8vo. Volume in fine condition throughout, without flaws or marks.

GP Taylor, a former Anglican minister, self published Shadowmancer, his debut novel, in 2002.  Published by Mount Publishing, Shadowmancer was picked up and reissued by Faber and Faber in 2003. The first instalment on Taylor’s fantasy fiction series, it was followed by two thematic sequels, Wormwood and Tersias and a direct sequel titled The Shadowmancer Returns: The Curse of Salamander Street.  Stylistically similar to C S Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, it was written as a protest against some of the dark themes prevalent much contemporary fantasy fiction such as His Dark Materials.  The story takes place in Whitby and concerns the evil sorcerer Rev. Obadiah Demurral and the struggle to prevent him acquiring two powerful amulets.  This true first edition is scarce, and this copy complete with Taylor’s dated signature, his witch & dagger sketch, and the publishers embossed stamp.