- 548
Hardy, Thomas
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Hardy, Thomas
- A Pair of Blue Eyes. Tinsley Brothers, 1873
- paper
8vo, 3 volumes, first edition of the author's third published novel, without half-titles, mis-aligned 'c' in 'clouds' on page 5 of volume 2, later half calf, marbled boards, spines with raised bands in six compartments and with pointillé trellis patterns in blind, traces of ownership signatures on title-pages, gathering C8 in volume 2 clumsily opened (not affecting text), some slight staining and soiling
The rare first edition of the first work by Hardy to bear his name. With its "romantic setting, the interplay of class and gender issues within its tragicomic plot, and the vitality of its heroine" A Pair of Blue Eyes was "a favourite novel of many Victorians, Tennyson and Coventry Patmore among them" (Michael Millgate, Oxford DNB). Purdy notes that the novel was published "in an edition presumably of 500 copies" (see Purdy, Thomas Hardy - A Bibliographical Study, Oxford, 1979, p. 12).
The rare first edition of the first work by Hardy to bear his name. With its "romantic setting, the interplay of class and gender issues within its tragicomic plot, and the vitality of its heroine" A Pair of Blue Eyes was "a favourite novel of many Victorians, Tennyson and Coventry Patmore among them" (Michael Millgate, Oxford DNB). Purdy notes that the novel was published "in an edition presumably of 500 copies" (see Purdy, Thomas Hardy - A Bibliographical Study, Oxford, 1979, p. 12).
Literature
Purdy pp.8-13
Condition
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."
"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."