Descrizione

8vo., First Edition thus, on laid paper, with etched frontispiece (original tissue guard present) and full-page map in the text, endpapers lightly spotted; original series binding of decorative dark-green ribbed cloth gilt, 'TH' monogram blocked in gilt on upper cover, gilt back, gilt top, uncut, a remarkably bright, clean copy. With two relevant cuttings mounted on rear endpapers. Osgood's 'Wessex Novels' is the first uniform and complete edition of Hardy's works. 'The edition is an important one. The text of every novel was thoroughly and carefully revised, the topography (names and distances) corrected where necessary, chapters frequently retitled, and much rewriting done. In addition Hardy prepared a special preface for each volume' (Purdy p.281); here the Preface is particularly important for its indication of sources. Each of the sixteen volumes has an etched frontispiece by Macbeth-Raeburn depicting a scene from the novel drawn on the spot (in this case 'The Budmouth Harbour of the Story') and a map of Wessex drawn by Hardy himself. In terms of book production, these are undoubtedly the finest trade editions of Hardy's works. ALL VOLUMES IN THIS SERIES ARE SCARCE, ESPECIALLY IN THIS CONDITION. See Purdy, pp.35, 281.