ELIOT, George ("Mary Ann Evans Lewes") (1819-1880). Scenes of Clerical Life. Edinburgh: Blackwood & Son, 1858.

2 volumes, 8vo (197 x 121 mm). Original maroon grained cloth [binding variant A] (rubbing, wear to spines, vol. I rear outer hinge starting); slipcase.

FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE. The stories included in Scenes of Clerical Life were originally published in Blackwood's Magazine over the course of the year 1857, and represent the first published works of fiction by Eliot. Reception to the stories was mixed, though Charles Dickens was among the many so impressed by "The Sad Fortunes of Reverend Amos Barton" and "Mr. Gilfil's Love Story" that he wrote to Eliot to express his admiration for them; in his letter Dickens would also be among the first to suggest that the author of these stories was a woman. Baker and Ross, A3.2.