Hardy, Thomas.

8vo (190 x 125mm.), 3 volumes, first edition, first impression, half-titles, final blank in volume two, preliminary and final blanks in volume three, original tan cloth lettered in gilt on spines and with honeysuckle blossom design on upper covers, contemporary glassine, collector's black cloth folding box, spotting to top edges, very slightly skewed, some small tears to glassine

Purdy, pp.67-78; Sadleir 1114

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."

A fine copy in the earlier state of Hardy's eloquent and deeply imagined tragic novel.

First impression issue points are present in this set, as follows:
Volume I: p.[iv] "1891" present, p.[v] "have it said" (later "have said"), p.45 "her skin is | as sumple" (later "her skin is as | sumple"), p.[264] final full-stop present;
Volume II: p.[iv] "1891" present, p.58 "Valasquez" (later "Velasquez"), p.155 "seampstress" (later "sempstress"), p.199 "XXV" (later "XXXV"), and p.234 "it's husband's" (later "its husband's");
Volume III: p.[vi] "1891" present, p.14 line endings comprise "towards", "but", "On", "al-", "hitherto" and "a", and p.112 "are ye doing" (later "are you doing"), p.160 line endings comprise "than", "deviations", "domesticity,", "vale", "curve.", "light" and "was", p.198 "summit of the road" (later "summit of the load"), p.252 line endings comprise "and", "foul", "bear" and "And", p.270 "sisters-in-law" (later "sister-laws"), p.275 "piteously" (later "pitilessly"), p.277 no page number present, and p.[278] no final full-stop.