Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)
Lot 254

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)

Poems of the Past and the Present. 1902

Closed9 December 2020

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GBP 1,250

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Thomas Hardy (1840-1928)
Poems of the Past and the Present. 1902
HARDY, Thomas (1840-1928). Poems of the Past and the Present. London: Harper & Brothers, 1902 [1901].

First edition, first issue, of Hardys second volume of poetry in the rare presentation binding. Purdy writes of this variant binding: ‘The book appeared only a month before Christmas, and the publishers advertised “a Special Edition, suitable for presentation, bound in white and gold, 7s. 6d.” I have never seen a copy presented by Hardy nor was there one in his library. The British Museum copy (accession date '10 Ja 1902') is so bound.’ Purdy pp.107-119.

Octavo (200 x 137mm). Original white buckram, bevelled edgtes, front blocked in gilt with TH monogram medallion, spine lettered in gilt, all edges gilt (endpapers spotted, binding lightly soiled).