Two (2) Thomas Hardy novels, including Author Signed TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES, 1926. 1st item: Author Signed TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES: A PURE WOMAN, Limited First Illustrated Edition, by Thomas Hardy, illustrated by Vivien Gribble, published by Macmillan and Company, Ltd., London, 1926. Hardcover octavo, 508 pages with 41 woodcut illustrations and foldout map by Emery Walker, quarter bound in vellum with marbled paper boards, gilt lettering to spine, includes cardstock slipcase. Signed "Thomas Hardy" to front matter page. 11 1/2" H x 8 1/4" H x 1 3/4" D. Slipcase: 11 5/8" H x 8 3/4" W x 2 1/8" D. 2nd item: Illustrator Signed THE RETURN OF THE NATIVE, Limited First Edition, by Thomas Hardy, illustrated by Clare Leighton, published by Macmillan and Company, Ltd., London, 1929. Hardcover octavo, 485 top edge gilt pages with 12 tipped-in woodcut illustrations including frontispiece, quarter bound in vellum with paper boards, gilt lettering to spine. Signed "Clare Leighton" to front matter page. Book: 9 7/8" H x 7" W x 2" D. The estate of a Vanderbilt University professor, Nashville, Tennessee. Condition: 1st item: Slipcase with toning/acid burn. Normal shelf wear to covers, corners bumped. Pages in overall good condition with toning, 1/2" tear to lower right corner of page 17. 2nd item: Shelf wear, 2 1/8" x 1 1/2" area of rubbing to vellum on spine, corner slightly bumped. Pages in overall good condition with toning/acid burn. Engraving on 480 almost separated from page.