Books

Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and Sons, 1871 - 1872. First edition. Four volumes. Her most famous book, a classic of English literature. Bound in modern quarter black leather with leather corners and marbled paper sides; raised spine bands, gilt lettering and ruling at spines; all edges speckled. Presumed earliest issue with period clear after "Vol. I" on title page and "enough to wish for" p. 408, line 25, vol. I; and "viros nulli" in vol. II, p. 103, line 17. Half-titles and fly-titles in each volume, as called for, though Volume I fly-title bound in after half-title (vs. following "Prelude"), as called for in parts issue [Baker & Ross A10.1.a1-2]. Volume II with insect activity apparent at upper corners last 9 leaves and along inner margin of final leaf of text; Volume III with large though gradually diminishing stain beginning at bottom left corner half-title page and dwindling to last leaf. Otherwise, with the exception of the occasional small smudge or stain,…

First published in 1871-72, 'Middlemarch' is a comprehensive novel covering the socio-political landscape of a fictional Midlands town in early 19th century England.