The Return of the Native

Hardy, Thomas

Published by London Smith, Elder, & Co. 1878, 1878

First edition. 3 volumes, 303, 297 and 320 pages respectively + frontispiece map to vol 1. In late-Victorian Zaehnsdorf green half-calf bindings, with patterned green paper covered boards, gilt to the top edges of the text blocks and marbled endpapers front and rear. All three volumes retain their half-titles. The books are reasonably firmly bound, the leather is quite worn, rubbed and scuffed and the boards are slightly rubbed with some minor chipping to the paper, the hinges are a little tender. The text blocks are age toned, slightly marked and somewhat foxed. One of Hardy's great novels, expertly weaving controversial themes of adultery and desire with a traditional rural setting, itself a protest against the increasing tendency towards urbanisation that followed in the wake of industrialisation and the expansion of the railways. This is a not displeasing first edition set in fairly contemporary bindings. Seller Inventory # 6673

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Return of the Native
Publisher: London Smith, Elder, & Co. 1878
Publication Date: 1878
Edition: 1st Edition