HARDY, THOMAS. Tess of the d'Urbervilles. [London: Osgood, McIlvaine 1891]. 3 vols., 8vo, original sand-colored cloth with gilt art-nouveau double linear design of stems of honeysuckle blossoms on front covers after Charles Ricketts, spines gilt-lettered, uncut, front cover of vol. 1 slightly soiled, front cover of vol. 3 a trifle bowed, cloth folding case. FIRST EDITION, ASSOCIATION COPY, with ownership inscription of "George Douglas Jan 1, 1892" on front free endpaper of vol. 1, with two clippings of reviews of Tess pasted presumably by him to rear endpapers of vols. 1 & 2. Sir George Douglas was a Scottish landowner and "gentleman of letters" whom Hardy met in 1881. This "subsequently developed into one of Hardy's most enduring friendships" (Michael Millgate, Thomas Hardy a Biography , New York, 1982, p. 222). Tess of the d'Urbervilles was published in an edition of 1000 copies during the week of 29 November 1891. As Purdy notes (pp. 73-74) the nature of the novel and the negative reviews made Hardy "shy of presenting copies" and the bibliographer records only three (none to George Douglas). However, for the first one-volume edition of Tess , published 30 September 1892, Hardy wrote a special Preface and "inscribed copies of the book to many friends, including...Sir George Douglas" (Purdy, p. 77). Given the paucity of presentation copies of the first edition of Tess , this copy belonging to Hardy's close friend -- and accompanied by the letter described below -- is one of prime association interest. Purdy, pp. 67-68; Sadleir 1114; Wolff 2993. In very good condition. [ with ] THOMAS HARDY Autograph letter signed to Sir George Douglas, Max Gate, Dorchester, 30 December 1891. 2 pages, 8vo, on one sheet of Hardy's embossed stationery, upper blank margin of recto faintly dampstained, verso lightly and evenly browned and with remnants of mounting. "I, TOO, LOST MY HEART TO [TESS]" An excellent letter: "I hope it will never happen, my dear Douglas, that I am unable to at least reply to a letter from you. I am so truly glad that Tess the woman has won your affections. I, too, lost my heart to her as I went on with her history: but your opinion of the novel as a piece of work is too partial I am sure. As to why I kept back her history till now -- well, the public would not have received it sooner; & even at present there may be objections to the frankness of the tale..." (4)
HARDY, THOMAS. Tess of the d'Urbervilles. [London: Osgood, McIlvaine 1891]. 3 vols., 8vo, original sand-colored cloth with gilt art-nouveau double linear design of stems of honeysuckle blossoms on front covers after Charles Ricketts, spines gilt-lettered, uncut, front cover of vol. 1 slightly soiled, front cover of vol. 3 a trifle bowed, cloth folding case. FIRST EDITION, ASSOCIATION COPY, with ownership inscription of "George Douglas Jan 1, 1892" on front free endpaper of vol. 1, with two clippings of reviews of Tess pasted presumably by him to rear endpapers of vols. 1 & 2. Sir George Douglas was a Scottish landowner and "gentleman of letters" whom Hardy met in 1881. This "subsequently developed into one of Hardy's most enduring friendships" (Michael Millgate, Thomas Hardy a Biography , New York, 1982, p. 222). Tess of the d'Urbervilles was published in an edition of 1000 copies during the week of 29 November 1891. As Purdy notes (pp. 73-74) the nature of the novel and the negative reviews made Hardy "shy of presenting copies" and the bibliographer records only three (none to George Douglas). However, for the first one-volume edition of Tess , published 30 September 1892, Hardy wrote a special Preface and "inscribed copies of the book to many friends, including...Sir George Douglas" (Purdy, p. 77). Given the paucity of presentation copies of the first edition of Tess , this copy belonging to Hardy's close friend -- and accompanied by the letter described below -- is one of prime association interest. Purdy, pp. 67-68; Sadleir 1114; Wolff 2993. In very good condition. [ with ] THOMAS HARDY Autograph letter signed to Sir George Douglas, Max Gate, Dorchester, 30 December 1891. 2 pages, 8vo, on one sheet of Hardy's embossed stationery, upper blank margin of recto faintly dampstained, verso lightly and evenly browned and with remnants of mounting. "I, TOO, LOST MY HEART TO [TESS]" An excellent letter: "I hope it will never happen, my dear Douglas, that I am unable to at least reply to a letter from you. I am so truly glad that Tess the woman has won your affections. I, too, lost my heart to her as I went on with her history: but your opinion of the novel as a piece of work is too partial I am sure. As to why I kept back her history till now -- well, the public would not have received it sooner; & even at present there may be objections to the frankness of the tale..." (4)
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
