THE EXCEPTIONAL PARSONS COPY
The Return of the Native
Smith, Elder, & Co., 1878.
First edition. Three volumes. Purdy's primary binding with a double ruled border in blank to the rear covers. Original brown cloth blocked in black and gilt. Engraved frontispiece map. A fine set, extraordinarily so. The gilt is bright, the cloth clean and free from wear, the hinges are tight. A peerless example, housed in a morocco box.
The exceptional Parsons copy of Hardy's sixth novel, published in November of 1878 in an edition of 1000 copies, though 100 quires remained unbound in 1882 and probably form the secondary binding.
The novel received a cautiously positive critical reception, but sold only moderately, its handling of illicit sexual relationships and the conflicting demands of society, alienated many contemporary readers. A twentieth century perspective however, shows it to be a thoroughly modern novel for its time and is now one of the author's most highly regarded works.
Hardy's novels of this period are notoriously difficult to find in decent condition. Copies in such flawless condition as this are virtually unknown.
PROVENANCE: Mary Pinkerton Carlisle (1884-1937, morocco bookplate to front pastedown); Katherine de Berkley Parsons (sold her sale, Sothebys 1976).
Purdy p.24; Sadleir 1119a
Stock ID: 44246
Sold
We have sold this item, but similar items
may become available in the future
