The First Edition of Brontë's First Novel
Professor. A Tale.
London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1857.
First edition of the author’s first novel (although the last of her major works to be published). Two octavo volumes (7 3/4 x 5 inches; 198 x 129 mm). viii, 294 plus 2 pp. advertisements; [4], 258, [1, printer’s imprint, [1, blank] plus 8 pp. advertisements and 16 pp. publisher’s catalogue dated June, 1857.
Original dark grayish purple morocco-grain cloth elaborately stamped in blind in a floral pattern. Spine ruled and lettered in gilt. Original yellow coated endpapers. Binder’s ticket (“Bound by Westleys & Co. London”) on rear pastedown of Volume I. Very slightly skewed, minor rubbing to corners and spine extremities, some slight discoloration to covers, spines slightly faded, hinges just starting. Small dampstain to upper corner of front endpapers of Volume I. A few leaves roughly opened. Early ink ownership inscription on half-title and at head of title of Volume II. Pencil erasures on endpapers of Volume II. Previous owner's bookplate on front pastedown of each volume. Overall, a very good copy. Housed in a quarter maroon morocco clamshell case.
Parrish, p. 96. Sadleir 347. Smith, Brontë, 7.
HBS 66276.
$7,500.
Price: $7,500.00
Item #66276