ELIOT, George (1819-1880). Scenes of Clerical Life. Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and sons, 1858.

The fine Robert Hoe copy of the first edition in book form of Eliot's first foray into fiction. At the age of 36, after having established a modest career as a translator of theological works, Eliot wrote this collection of three novellas, her first work of fiction. Drawing on her childhood in Warwickshire, the stories contain many characteristic themes of her later work: the contemporary turmoil in the religious landscape of England, social reforms, and ethical philosophy played out in deftly drawn characters. First published in Blackwood's Magazine in 1857, the work was well-received, paving the way for her success as a novelist and originating her famous nom de plume. Sadleir 818.

Two volumes, octavo. Half titles. 19th-century polished calf gilt by Riviere, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. Provenance: Robert Hoe, 1839-1909 (morocco book label; his sale, Anderson Galleries, 24 April 1911, lot 1190)