Bell, Currer [Charlotte Bronte] — Shirley. A Tale [Three Volumes]; A Tale

London Smith, Elder and Co First edition pp. 303; 308; 320. Bound without half-titles, and Vol. I without the ads; but including the ads at the end of Vol. III. 8vo. 1/2 vellum over waxed-paper-covered boards; bound by Holder & Son, Kirkdale, Sydenham, with label to front pastedowns. Gilt lettering to spines. Bookplate to front pastedowns, some spotting (wax drips, fingerprints, and the like, occasionally and throughout), creases from dog earing, a few pencil marks, expected age-toning. The contents show heavier use than the bindings, suggesting to me that the books were voraciously read at perhaps indiscriminate times (like breakfast), and the story loved well enough to deserve a lovely (re-)binding, ca. 1900. With bookseller's catalogue description of a like set, taped to front pastedown of Vol. I.