SIGNED LIMITED FIRST SEPARATE EDITION OF CONCERNING JUDE THE OBSCURE, ONE OF ONLY 185 COPIES SIGNED BY H. HAVELOCK ELLIS

ELLIS, H. Havelock. Concerning Jude the Obscure. London: The Ulysses Bookshop, (1931). Tall quarto, original half black cloth, uncut. $225.

Signed limited first separate edition of this critical work on Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure, one of only 185 copies signed by H. Havelock Ellis.

Originally published in 1896 in the Savoy, this essay concerns Thomas Hardy’s controversial and critically reviled Jude the Obscure. Unlike his contemporaries, Ellis proclaimed Hardy’s novel to be “the greatest novel written in England for many years.” In addition to his work as a critic, Ellis was also a sexologist, physician, and social reformer and brought his expertise in those fields to his work as a critic. Accordingly, this work is also notable for its modern style and serves as a landmark in the field of literary criticism. This edition also includes Hardy’s note in response to Ellis’ criticism. “Printed by H.D.C.P & C.C., Members of the Hand-printers Association.” This copy is not numbered, but is instead marked “retree,” indicating that the paper is slightly damaged or flawed. The reason for this designation is not evident.

Small spot of soiling to page 6, light wear, soiling, and toning to binding. An extremely good signed copy. Scarce.