Reade, Charles

"Love me Little, Love me Long". London: Trubner & co., 1859, 2 volumes, half-titles, original blue bead-grain cloth (one of two bindings recorded by Sadleir), spines gilt, [Sadleir 2010; Wolff 5710], some possible very neat repairs to joints; A Woman-Hater. Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and son, 1877, 3 volumes, half-titles, advertisements at the end of volumes 2 and 3, original blue fine ribbed cloth, covers decorated in black, spines gilt, brown-coated endpapers, [not in Sadleir or Wolff], spines slightly darkened; Hard Cash. London: Sampson Low, Son & Marston, 1863, 3 volumes, appendix and advertisements at the end of volume 3, original grey-green morocco cloth, spines gilt, bookplate of Eric Quayle, [Sadleir 2006; Wolff 5708], browned, hinges and joints repaired, endpapers soiled; White Lies. A Story. London: Trubner & co., 1857, 3 volumes, original dark green cloth, covers ruled and decorated in blind, spines gilt, pale yellow endpapers, bookplate of Eric Quayle, [not in Sadleir or Wolff], piece torn away from upper portion of endpaper of volume 2, some slight spotting and browning, still a near fine copy;  first editions, 8vo (11)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"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."

Four first editions by the novelist, whose gift for rapid, exciting narrative, lively dialogue and "vivid, often horrific description" (P.D. Edwards, Oxford DNB) ensured he had a very popular following. Reade's private life was colourful. He was often engaged in serial litigation, and he held a deep attraction for the theatre, having a series of affairs with married actresses.