Shirley: A Tale [Charlotte Bronte, 1857]

London: Smith, Elder and Co., 1857. 1857. Hardcover, ¾ leather binding. [Author Currer Bell is pseudonym for the famous English writer CHARLOTTE BRONTE. Published eight years after first edition.] This is NOT a facsimile, recent reprint, or print-on-demand book - it's the actual 1857 book. Maroon, three-quarter leather and marbled binding, five raised ridges on spine, gilt lettering/lines, marbled edges and endpapers, 534 pages. Condition of binding: Age toning, several abrasion marks, chips, wear, light bump to one corner and light bumps to extremities. Former owner's name and date (1958) on first free endpaper, another on first blank (1947) --- very faint name on title page. Endpapers, preliminaries have scattered foxing (same with rear free endpaper and last page). Text: Scattered light foxing, but clear and very readable. Overall Good. This is the author's first after publishing Jane Eyre. It is set in Yorkshire, England during the period of 1811-1812. The backdrop is the industrial Depression and Luddite unrest in the Yorkshire industry. A mill owner, whose business is having financial problems, is ruthless and harsh toward his employees - laying off many of them without concern about their ability to live without employment and money. He resists falling in love, because he needs a woman/wife who has money to keep his mill operating. And the story goes on from there. Fine literature, very collectible book by Charlotte Bronte. Note: We are a well-established, well-respected, ethical book dealer in business since 1991. We describe the condition of our books thoroughly and honestly, so you'll know exactly what you will be receiving when you order. We ship promptly. . Hard Cover. Good..