Description
First edition, first issue of Tess of the d’Urbervilles, in three volumes, by Thomas Hardy.
Octavo, [viii], 264pp; [viii], 278pp; [vi], 277pp. Bound in full brown morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe of London. Titles in gilt, gilt tooling to covers to match original cloth binding with honeysuckle design. All with half-titles. All edges gilt. Dated 1891 on the publisher’s imprint, with R. & R. Clark, Edinburgh noted as printer in each volume. Occasional points of toning throughout each volume, all solid text blocks, in near fine condition. (Purdy, pp. 67-68) (Sadleir 1114) A fine example of this scarce work.
All three volumes first issues, with the following points as noted by Richard Little Purdy: Volume I, p. [v] – “have it said,” p. 45 – “her skin is / as sumple.” Volume II, p. 58 – “Valasquez,” p. 155 – “seampstress,” p. 199 – “XXV.” Volume III, p. 112, “are ye doing.”
