GASKELL, RUTH, 1853, WITH AN ACCOMPANYING AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED

8vo, 3 volumes, FIRST EDITION, half red morocco on cloth boards with Lord Houghton's armorial wheatsheaf in gilt on upper board, spine titled and gilt in compartments, edges yellow, marbled endpapers, [with, laid down in volume one:] Elizabeth Gaskell, autograph letter signed, to "dear Sir" [Richard Monckton Milnes], with gratitude for his approval of Ruth ("...I so anxious about her, and took so much over writing it, that I lost my own power of judging, and could not tell whether I had done it well or ill ... I tried to make both the story and the writing as quiet as possible..."), 4 pages, 8vo, Plymouth Grove [Manchester], 10 February, n.y. 

stamp on binding of Richard Monckton Milnes, first baron Houghton (1809-1885); his son Robert Milnes, marquess of Crewe (1858-1945), bookplate; by descent to his daughter Mary, duchess of Roxburghe

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."