Hardy (Thomas) Tess of the d'Urbervilles. A Pure Woman..., 3 vol., first edition in book form, vol. 2 first impression, vol. 1 & 3 second impression revised, [these one of 500 copies], half-titles, contemporary ownership signature to endpaper in crayon to vol.1, endpapers browned, light finger-soiling and occasional marking, hinges reinforced with tape, contemporary half morocco, rebacked and recornered, covers rubbed, [Purdy p.67-75], James R.Osgood, McIlvaine & Co., 1891-2; and another fifth edition work of the same in original cloth, 8vo (4)

⁂ Vol. 1 & 3 are one of 500 copies, with vol.2 a first impression was one of 1000 from the previous year. Hardy's tragic tale of a fallen woman shocked Victorian readers, particularly the subtitle of the novel "A Pure Woman". It was first published in the Graphic from July to December 1891 in weekly instalments, having being rejected by several other periodicals, but with the seduction and mock-baptism scenes removed and some alterations. Both sections were published separately prior to serialisation but reinstated with the original text when issued in book form.