HARDY, THOMAS — The Mayor of Casterbridge

New York: The Heritage Press, 1964. Hardcover. A 1964 Heritage Press reprint edition in slipcase of Thomas Hardy's classic, set in his semi-fictional English county of Wessex, and first published in 1886. This is the story of Michael Henchard, who argues with his wife and "sells" her to a sailor. His guilt causes him to renounce alcohol and he becomes the prosperous mayor of his town. This edition includes striking woodcut engraved illustrations by Agnes Miller Parker and an introduction by Frank Swinnerton. Sandglass leaflet not present. --- With patterned Parker illustrations in red on tan cloth-covered boards with titling in gilt on maroon spine block. Volume housed in maroon paper-covered slipcase. --- With sunned spine, dulling the Parker patterned illustrations there, and with acidic stains to front and rear endpapers, otherwise volume is in excellent shape: tightly-bound, unmarked and bright. Slipcase with numerous scuffed spots, else structurally sound.; Octavo (8 to 9 in. tall); xvi, 318 pages. Very Good+ .