#11151 The Decline and Fall of the British Empire; or, The Witch's Cavern. Henry Crocker Marriott Watson.
Henry Crocker Marriott Watson

The Decline and Fall of the British Empire; or, The Witch's Cavern

Published anonymously in 1890 by Australian author and minister, Henry Crocker Marriott Watson, The Decline and Fall of the British Empire; or, The Witch's Cavern is another dystopian work by the author of Erchomenon (1879). It depicts a far future in which England has devolved into a primitive and barbarous land. The story's protagonist goes on an expedition to London of 2990 and while there finds himself transported back in time to 19th century London. There he witnesses firsthand the seeds to England's collapse from Socialism to the loss of Christian and moral values. The author's previous work also explored similar themes of social collapse due to a lack of religion. 

The book was published the same year in the U.S. as just The Witch's Cavern; A Realistic and Thrilling Picture of London Society by "One Who Knows". This UK first edition has "two thousand" printed on the title page, seemingly indicating a second impression. But according to L. W. Currey, no copies of the UK edition other than ones with the words "two thousand" printed on the title page have ever been located.  There is an 8-page undated publisher's catalogue inserted at rear.


Hardcover. First Edition. Octavo, original bevel-edged blue cloth, front and spine panels stamped in gold, white endpapers with floral pattern printed in brown [LWC]. London: Trischler & Company, 1890. #11151.
Rubbing at spine ends and corners, binding is slightly shaken, but holding firm. Overall, very good for its age.