HARDY, Thomas (1840-1928). The Hand of Ethelberta. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1876.

2 volumes, 8vo. Half-titles; 11 plates by George Du Maurier; 2pp. advertisements at the end of each volume. (Hinges cracked and starting in vol. II.) Original brick red cloth [Purdy's primary binding] decorated in black and gilt (extremities rubbed with wear at spine ends, old recasing to vol. I). Provenance: W. H. Smith & Sons Subscription Library (labels to front pastedowns); Thomas Dougless (early ownership signatures).

FIRST EDITION IN BOOK FORM, one of 1,000 copies. PURDY'S FIRST STATE with uncancelled signatures (B4, B5, F1, F8). Purdy never examined an uncanceled copy and does not know the reason for the cancelation. Sadleir 1107; Purdy, pp. 20-23; Wolff 2977.