Books

FIRST EDITION. 3 vols. Front. vol. I; some occasional light foxing. Contemp. half red grained calf, gilt ruled spines, lettered in gilt, marbled paper boards; sl. wear to head & tail of spines. A nice copy. Maroon cloth slipcase. Purdy pp. 24-27; Sadlier 1113; Wolff 2989. The first impression without a quotation mark after 'Blue Eyes' on titlepage vol. I.

The Return of the Native is one of Thomas Hardy's novels of character and environment, first published as a serial in the magazine Belgravia, a publication known for its sensationalism, and was presented in twelve monthly installments from January to December 1878. The novel follows the lives of people in the fictional Egdon Heath, a symbol of Hardy's vision of nature and human passions.