Rothenstein, William--[Thomas Hardy]

8vo, first edition, one of 2000 copies, presentation copy inscribed by the artist to Thomas Hardy ("For Thomas Hardy with the limners | homage - Nov 1920") on preliminary blank, 24 plates after William Rothenstein, original buckram-backed boards with paper labels on spine and upper cover, worn at extremities

Thomas Hardy, artist's inscription, his sale, Hodgson and Co., 26 May 1938, part of lot 48

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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 reproduction of Rothenstein's 1916 drawing of Conrad is the seventh portrait in the volume. A portrait of Hardy comprises the fifteenth portrait together with an anonymous 'appreciation'. The writer of the piece was Henry Newbolt and Hardy wrote to him on 16 December 1920 stating:

"I, too, thought Rothenstein's book of portraits interesting... I was not aware that you wrote the 'appreciation' of my poor self, though I said to my wife 'It is the best done of them all, though I am not the one who deserves it.'"
(See ed. Purdy and Millgate, The Collected Letters of Thomas Hardy, Vol. VI 1920-1925. Oxford: 1987, pp. 52-53)