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A volume of four novels by popular British Victorian authors bound in one, all first or early American editions, including the very scarce first U.S. edition of George Eliot's debut novel. Four novels bound in one, all but one being the first U.S. editions, all scarce editions.This volume contains the novels of three eminent female authors of the Victorian era; George Eliot, Dinah Craik, and Margaret Oliphant. All three of these authors were popular during the Victorian era, writing novels reflecting the society of their day of all classes and across Britain. This volume expresses their popularity, containing the American editions of the works of these British women. Of these three women, Eliot remains the best known today, this volume containing her first published work of fiction.'Scenes of a Clerical Life', by George Eliot. The very scarce first U.S. edition, published in the same year as the first U.K. edition, in 1858. This novel was first published as stories in 'Blackwood's Magazine'. The novel is set in a small town in the Midlands named Milby across a period of fifty years, and reflects of poverty, alcoholism, and domestic violence.'The Ogilvies', by Dinah Craik. An early U.S. edition, published in 1860. This is the first novel by Craik, an emotionally intense novel following the ups and downs of a family.'John Halifax Gentleman', by Dinah Craik. The very scarce first U.S. edition, published in the same year as the U.K. first, in 1856. This is the best known novel by Craik, set in the fictional town of Norton Bury in Gloucestershire, a loose disguise for Tewkesbury. The story is narrated by Phineas and follows the orphan John Halifax, who is determined to make his way in the world.'The Athelings', by Margaret Oliphant. The first U.S. edition of this very scarce work, published in the same year as the first U.K. edition, in 1857. This tale follows the Atheling family, in particular three young siblings, named Agnes, Marion, and Charlie. Agnes, a writer, finds success after publishing a novel, leading her sister and herself to be invited into society, resulting in the pair becoming embroiled in romances.Bookplate of Sarah J. Potter to the front paste down, with her ink inscription to the recto of the front endpaper, dated 1866, and to a couple of the title pages. In a half morocco binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart, a little rubbed. Minor bumping to the extremities. Spine is a little faded. Light marks to the boards and spine. Front hinge is starting but firm. Bookplate to the front paste down. Ink inscription to the recto of the front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are a little age-toned with some spots. Small scorch mark to the title page and first leaf of text of 'The Athelings', with a small amount of loss of text to roughly twelve words. Very Good.

Scenes of Clerical Life is the title under which George Eliot's first published works of fiction appeared in 1858, consisting of three novellas based on the lives of different clergymen. Originally published anonymously, these stories mark Eliot's debut into the world of literature.