[Brontë, Charlotte, Emily and Anne]

8vo, FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, errata slip tipped in at end, with final blank leaf, original dark green cloth, blind-stamped geometric design to covers, upper cover lettered in gilt, spine without lettering (Carter's binding variant "A", first issue binding), red morocco pull-off book-box, some pencil markings in text, minor stain on pp.60, 62 and 64, a few leaves loose or stitching weak, binding very slightly worn, box slightly rubbed

Duff Cooper (1890-1954), diplomat and politician, presentation inscription to him (sale in these rooms 10 July 1986, lot 58, "The Property of Lady Diana Cooper, from the Library of the Rt. Hon. A. Duff Cooper, first Viscount Norwich)

Smith, Brontë, 1; Wise, Brontë, 1 (in binding variant "B"); Hayward, English Poetry, 266; Carter, Binding Variants 1820-1900, p.94

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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 VERY RARE FIRST ISSUE OF THE BRONTES' FIRST PUBLISHED WORK, WITH THE BINDING IN ITS EARLIEST STATE, described by Wise in his bibliography of the sisters as "one of the most elusive objects of the collector's search".

"In June 1847 Charlotte Brontë wrote: 'In the space of a year, our publisher has disposed of but two copies [1000 were printed]... Before transferring the edition to the trunk maker, we have decided on distributing as presents a few copies of what we cannot sell'. In November 1848 the balance of 961 copies was transferred to Smith, Elder & Co., who reissued the book with a cancel title, retaining the original date" (Hayward).

This copy is inscribed on the front free endpaper "Duff [Cooper] from Maurice [Baring]. 'Second thoughts are best'. Old Proverb. July 29, 1936".