Books

First Leighton edition, signed limited issue, number 211 of 450 copies signed by the artist. Leighton's woodcuts inspired the set design of the 1939 film adaptation of the novel, starring Laurence Olivier. "Convinced that wood-engraving was an art for the masses rather than for an élite, Clare Leighton worked independently of the private presses. Her popular success was founded on a disciplined technique, powerful compositions, and a gravity of content and sincerity of feeling that derives from artists such as Samuel Palmer" (ODNB). Wuthering Heights was first published as part of a three-decker with Anne Brontë's Agnes Grey on 4 December 1847. It has become regarded as one of the most extraordinary novels of the 19th century, combining passionate and vindictive characters, a moorland setting, casual violence, self-destructive love, and a vengeful theme, all held together with "the complete absence of any moral tone or purpose - a quality almost unique in Victorian fiction" (ODNB). Octavo (251 x 196 mm). Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in green morocco, spine lettered and decorated with centre tool in gilt, raised bands, twin rule to turn-ins gilt, blue and green patterned endpapers, gilt edges. With 12 wood engravings by Clare Leighton. A fine copy.

Wuthering Heights is Emily Brontë's only novel. Written between October 1845 and June 1846, it was published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell. The novel is set on the Yorkshire moors and follows the turbulent relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an orphan taken in by Catherine's father.