[Eliot, George, translator]--Strauss, David Friedrick

8vo (227 x 135mm.), 3 volumes, first edition of Eliot’s translation, half-titles, final leaf in volume 2 and 3 blank, 16-page undated publisher’s catalogue bound in at end of volume I (Baker & Ross, p.7, note 2 (i)), largely unopened, original dark grayish-green vertical rib cloth, covers decorated in blind, spines lettered in gilt (Baker & Ross variant A), yellow endpapers, green cloth chemise in green morocco slipcase by M.J. Adjarian, small tears to outer margins of vol.III, pp. 361-363, not affecting text, some splitting to hinges in volume I, joints and head and feet of spines restored, two small tears to spine and edge of vol. II, some colour renewed at extremities

Ministerial Library of the North Ecclesiastical Society, Hartford, press-labels with press-marks 409-411, presented by “Sundry Gentlemen”; Richard Manney, bookplate (sale Sotheby’s New York, 11 October 1991, lot 127)

Baker & Ross A.1.1

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

George Eliot’s first published work. Strauss’s Das Leben Jesu was first published in 1835 and went through four editions in German by 1840. An English translation had been published in 1842-44, though it seems that Eliot knew nothing of it. Her translation, which took over two years to complete and was published anonymously, met with Strauss’s approval and he contributed a new preface in Latin.