[Brontë, Charlotte]

8vo (198 x 121mm.), first edition, 3 volumes, publisher's 32pp. catalogue dated June 1847 and one leaf advertising The Calcutta Review at the end of volume 1, original dark greyish reddish brown vertically-ribbed cloth, covers decorated in blind with triple line border enclosing decorative trellis-like border, pale yellow endpapers, preserved in blue cloth case and quarter blue morocco slipcase, recased, expert restoration and repairs to the spine ends, joints and hinges

? "Mrs Elseley... York", pencil inscriptions on upper paste-downs; Morris H. Parrish, bookplates (with later library annotation in pencil, "withdrawn | 28 January 1959"); Barton Currie, morocco book-label in cloth case

The American collector Morris H. Parrish assembled one of the finest libraries of Victorian literature anywhere in the world between the First World War and his death in 1944, with a particular focus on original condition and acquiring both English and American first editions. The bulk of the collection, containing over 6,500 volumes and 1,250 manuscripts, and formerly housed in his residence Dormy House in Pine Valley, New Jersey, was bequeathed to Princeton University Library. Another copy of Jane Eyre is recorded in Princeton's holdings, so the present copy is presumably a duplicate deaccessioned in or around 1959.

Smith 2; Sadleir 346; Ashley I, p.72; Wolff 826; Tinker 379; Grolier English 83; Parrish pp.87-8

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."

A near fine copy in the original cloth of the author's powerful and enduring novel, the inspiration behind countless further novels, literary and stage works since and the basis for many film adaptations and reinterpretations, by classic directors such as Orson Welles, Franco Zefferelli and Jane Campion