Hardy, Thomas.

8vo (190 x 121mm.), 3 volumes, first edition of the author's third published novel, half-titles (final full-stops present in volumes 1 and 2, and omitted in volume 3), mis-aligned 'c' in 'clouds' on page 5 of volume 2, 4pp. (of 16pp.) publisher's catalogue at end of volume 3 (see footnote), original green cloth lettered in gilt on spine and with Oxford frame blocked in black on covers (Carter's A binding), collector's green morocco-backed box, occasional minor spotting, occasional minor tears to edges or repairs to minor tears, professional strengthening of hinges, extremities bumped, occasional marks to binding

Estelle Doheny, bookplates

Purdy, pp.8-13; Carter, More Binding Variants, p.9

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

With its "romantic setting, the interplay of class and gender issues within its tragicomic plot, and the vitality of its heroine" A Pair of Blue Eyes was "a favourite novel of many Victorians, Tennyson and Coventry Patmore among them" (Michael Millgate, Oxford DNB).

Purdy notes that the novel, the first of Hardy's books to bear his name as author, was published "in an edition presumably of 500 copies" (see Purdy, Thomas Hardy - A Bibliographical Study, Oxford, 1979, p. 12). The catalogue, as called for by Purdy, is dated March 1873 but consists, here, of only the first and final leaves. The binding suggests that this is as issued.