Hardy, Thomas.

8vo (212 x 135mm.), 2 volumes, first book edition, one of 1,000 copies, 12 wood-engraved illustrations by Helen Paterson (later Allingham), original green diagonal fine-ribbed cloth, lettered in gilt with two vignettes in black on upper covers, chocolate endpapers, collector's green morocco-backed folding box, occasional light spotting and browning, recased with some restoration to head and foot of each spine, some restoration to hinges

Purdy, pp.13-20; Sadleir 1105

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."

First edition of the first of Hardy's major novels, introducing the fictional region of Wessex, and establishing "precisely the kind of richly specific rural and agricultural setting that was to characterize his most widely admired work" (Michael Millgate). Far from the Madding Crowd was serialised in the prestigious pages of The Cornhill Magazine between January and December 1874, and first published in book form as here in November 1874.