TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES

Hardy Thomas

Edité par London Osgood, McIlvaine and Co 1891

3 volumes. First edition, first issue of Vols. I and III and First edition, second state of Vol. II with the chapter heading "XXXV" correct on page 199. 8vo, publisher's original mustard cloth decorated in gilt on covers after a design by Charles Ricketts, decoratively lettered in gilt on spines. Now housed in a fine custom slipcase with triple-rounded morocco back gilt lettered and with each volume in a custom chemise. 264; 278; 277 pp. A very fine and very attractive set, the cloth clean and fresh with bright gilt, the hinges solid and sturdy, the text very fine as well. FIRST EDITION AND A BEAUTIFUL SET OF ONE OF HARDY'S GREATEST NOVELS, and also one of his last. Publication of the novel created a violent sensation, and the critical reception of TESS, and later JUDE THE OBSCURE, convinced Hardy to give up novels in favor of poetry (which he had always considered superior to fiction). Only 1000 copies were printed, and as was the case with many Victorian novels, copies were snapped up by the lending libraries of the period and were subject to the repeated hard wear of enthralled readers. It is now a very scarce work, and is very difficult to find in the original cloth bindings. Laid into the first volume is a one-page autograph note signed by Hardy. N° de réf. du vendeur 29178

Détails bibliographiques

Titre : TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES
Éditeur : London Osgood, McIlvaine and Co 1891
Reliure : Couverture rigide
Signé : Signé par l'auteur
Edition : Edition originale