Thomas Hardy, 1878

HARDY, Thomas (1840-1928). The Return of the Native. London: Smith, Elder, & Co., 1878.

First edition, Sadleir’s binding B (with double rule on rear cover and spine imprint measuring 5/32” (about 4 mm). The Return of the Native was first printed serially in Belgravia from January to December 1878; several chapters were retitled, and numerous deletions and additions were made before it was published in book form in an edition of 1,000 copies. Purdy p.24-27, Sadleir 1113.

Three volumes, octavo. Half-titles in all three volumes, frontispiece in vol. 1, 2 pp. ads at rear of vol. 2 (hinges repaired but still quite tender, some loss at gutter of vol. 1 front free endpaper, occasional minor finger soiling internally). Original brown cloth stamped in gilt and black (some rubbing overall, tips a little bumped). Custom chemises and morocco-backed slipcase. Provenance: Carroll Atwood Wilson, 1887-1947 (bookplate).