[Hughes, Thomas]

8vo (180 x 136mm.), first edition, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR ON FRONT ENDPAPER ("Author's presentation copy. | W^m John Evelyn Esq^re | with | the kindest regards of his | old schoolfellow & friend | the author | 1858"), half-title, double-page pictorial title and illustrations in the text by Richard Doyle, 16pp. of advertisements at end, presentation binding by Burn of horizontally-grained red cloth illustrated in gilt on covers and spine, all edges gilt, chocolate-coated endpapers, quarter red morocco folding box

[William] John Evelyn, Conservative politician, authorial inscription, book-plate

Wolff 3330; Parrish p.113

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.269L15413
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The recipient is the author's friend from his days at Rugby School, the Conservative politician William John Evelyn (1822-1908), a descendant of the diarist John Evelyn -- both had been pupils under the celebrated teacher and historian Thomas Arnold, father of Matthew. Both Hughes and Evelyn had terms as Member of Parliament, though at different times, and representing different parts of the political spectrum (Hughes as a social-reforming Liberal, initiating Trade Union reform, Evelyn as a Conservative).

The author's first novel Tom Brown's School Days had a nostalgic vision of traditional English life with its festivals, bringing all levels of society together to compete in various competitions. This fantasy of an organic society cemented by physical activity is the main theme of Hughes's second novel The Scouring of the White Horse.