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Author: Hardy, Thomas
Title: The Return of the Native
Place Published: London
Publisher:Smith, Elder, & Co.
Date Published: 1878
Description:

3 volumes. Frontispiece sketch map of the scene of the story in Volume I. (8vo) 18.5x12.7 cm (7¼x5"), publisher's original blindstamped brown cloth additionally stamped in black, spine lettered in gilt and blind. Presented in brown custom cloth-covered clamshell box lettered in gilt on spine. First edition in book form.

First published in Belgravia magazine ;as a serial in twelve monthly installments, January-December, 1878. ;Hardy's sixth published novel, but one considered among his finest. Purdy's primary binding with double blind rule on back cover. Webb, pp. 11-13. ;

Light wear to box; volume showing slight bumps at ends of slightly leaning spines and at corners, mild rubbing at extremities, spines fading a bit ; hints of foxing and light wear, front hinge of Vol II cracked; very good or better.