The Desert Daisy

From Introduction: "The Desert Daisy, which is here reproduced in facsimile from the original manuscript in the University of Illinois Library, appears to be H. G. Wells's earliest surviving narrative of any length. It was composed sometime during the period 1878-1880, when Wells was in his twelfth and thirteenth years....For all its immaturity, The Desert Daisy has a clear narrative line, an abundance of authentic humor, and a charming freshness. Any child who likes fun and fighting, or any adult who can recapture for an hour the state of mind of such a child, will peruse this tale with delighted amusement." Illustrated by the author. The book was printed by The Lakeside Press for Beta Phi Mu, the national library science honorary fraternity in a limited edition comprising 1,413 numbered copies reserved for members of Beta Phi Mu, and and additional 3,000 copies for general distribution.