Lot 546: George Eliot, Middlemarch, 1st Edition in 8 Volumes

MIDDLEMARCH: A STUDY OF PROVINCIAL LIFE, Vol. I-IV First Edition, by George Eliot (pseudonym of Mary Ann Evans), Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood & Sons, 1871-72. Hardcover 12mo. Bound by Stikeman & Co. in 3/4 brown calf and marbled papers; with gilt stamped covers and spines, five raised hubs, with marbled paper pastedowns and endpapers, gilt top edges. Originally issued in serial form every two months in eight half-volume sections, the complete Middlemarch was then released in four volumes with two “books” per volume; this set has been rebound as eight separate books. Original green decorated wrappers bound in the rear of each, with advertisements; Book IV with scarce errata slip bound in rear. Ex libris plates of Henry William Poor and Lillian Stokes Gillespie. Each approximately 7 1/4 in. H x 5 in. W x 7/8 in. D. Note: Lillian May (Stokes) Gillespie (1869-1915) was an independently wealthy socialite from the Stokes family of New York, a line of enormously successful financiers and merchants. Henry William Poor (1844-1915) was an American banker, stockbroker, author, and book collector.

PROVENANCE:

Private Nashville collection.

CONDITION:

All in very good condition, with minor scuffing to covers; some pencil notations to each.