Books

First Edition; three volumes; publisher's cloth; the fly-title of the publisher's catalogue is dated June, 1847 and the catalogue itself is dated October, 1847. This set has the very uncommon 'Calcutta Review' ad inserted (while copies lacking it are not considered incomplete, it is preferable to include it); complete with the half-titles in each volume. This set is in what might be termed, for a book so seldom seen in its original binding, in usual condition; in this instance, this standard is not a high one. Overall, this set is in the shabbier side of good condition. Unlike many of the few sets that have surfaced in cloth, it has not been rebacked, but it has undergone modest cloth mending; there is cloth staining and numerous, but generally minor, paper repairs to small chips and tears. However, the title page of the first volume has been rehinged. For all that, Jane Eyre is nearly always seen rebound, and these defects aside, a better copy is seldom seen. In a custom cloth clamshell box. All books described as first editions are first printings unless otherwise noted.

"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte is a bildungsroman that chronicles the life of its eponymous protagonist. Orphaned and mistreated as a child, Jane Eyre grows up at Gateshead Hall under the care of her cruel aunt and cousins. She then attends Lowood School, where she faces hardship but receives an education that shapes her character. As a young woman, Jane becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, employed by the enigmatic and brooding Mr. Rochester. Jane's time at Thornfield Hall is marked by her growing affection for Rochester, despite their differing social statuses. Their relationship blossoms until a shocking revelation about Rochester's past disrupts their plans for marriage. Forced to leave Thornfield Hall, Jane finds refuge at Moor House, where she discovers her distant relatives, the Rivers family. She forms strong bonds with them but remains haunted by her love for Rochester. The narrative reveals Jane's fierce independence, unwavering principles, and quest for autonomy and love despite societal constraints. Eventually, she inherits a fortune and learns that Rochester, now blind and maimed from a tragic fire, seeks reconciliation. Returning to Rochester, Jane finds him humbled and rehabilitated. They reunite and marry, embracing a life together built on mutual respect and equality. "Jane Eyre" is not only a tale of romance but also a nuanced exploration of societal expectations, feminism, morality, and the struggle for personal identity and integrity. Bronte's novel broke boundaries by portraying a strong-willed, independent female protagonist who defies convention in her pursuit of love and self-realization. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its compelling characters, richly detailed settings, and themes that resonate across generations, making "Jane Eyre" a timeless classic in English literature.