THE CLOISTER AND THE HEARTH

New York: Harper & Brothers, 1894. 210 x 135 mm. (8 1/4 x 5 1/4"). Two volumes..
Vibrant dark red half-morocco over textured fuchsia boards, raised bands with gilt rule, compartments with gilt lettering and tools, matching textured endpapers, edges untrimmed. Each volume with frontispiece and with numerous illustrations throughout. ◆Two corners just slightly bruised, a breath of wear to extremities, but A FINE COPY, the contents in perfect condition and the bindings unworn.

First published in 1861, Reade's greatest novel follows a 15th century scribe and illuminator who becomes friar following erroneous news of his wife's death. When the couple are reunited years later, the protagonist chooses the celibate life of the Church over obligations to his family. According to the DNB, Reade "read seventy-nine books . . . and filled three 'gigantic cards' with notes about hermits" in preparation this work, allowing him to write in great detail about life in the Medieval world. This work was also Reade's most acclaimed, cited by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as one of his favorite novels and skyrocketing him to literary fame. The present edition is handsomely bound with unusually vivid and highly memorable textured boards and endpapers..