By Thomas Hardy
New York   Harper & Brothers
8" by 5.5" [5], 2-214, [2pp]
The very scarce first U.S. edition of this Wessex-based short story collection by Thomas Hardy, illustrated with a portrait frontispiece.
By Thomas Hardy

1888 Wessex Tales Strange, Lively, and Commonplace

New York   Harper & Brothers
8" by 5.5" [5], 2-214, [2pp]
The very scarce first U.S. edition of this Wessex-based short story collection by Thomas Hardy, illustrated with a portrait frontispiece.
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: 0.75kgs / : 751P61

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Description

First Edition, Illustrated, Original Binding

The first U.S. edition of this work, published in the same year as the first U.K. edition.

Illustrated with a frontispiece, showing a portrait of Hardy. This seems to be the first time a portrait of Hardy was published in any of his books.

This U.S. edition is very scarce, with only one found sold at auction in 1998. 

'Wessex Tales' is a selection of five short stories all set before 1840. The tales look at marriage in the nineteenth century, and the affects of society.

The U.K. edition was published in two volumes, whereas this is complete in one volume, containing all five short stories; 'The Three Strangers', 'The Withered Arm', 'Fellow-Townsmen', 'Interlopers at the Knap', and 'The Distracted Preacher'.

Written by Thomas Hardy.

Two pages of publisher's adverts to the rear.

Condition

In the original half cloth binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, the spine is a little discoloured. A little rubbing to the spine and extremities. Minor bumping to the head and tail of the spine. A few minor marks to the boards and spine. Hinges are starting but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned and clean with a few scattered spots or handling marks.

Very Good

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