THE RETURN OF THE NATIVE

New York: The Heritage Press, 1942. Hardcover. Fine/Issued Without Jacket. This classic of Victorian era romantic literature was Hardy's sixth novel (his seventh counting his unpublished first work). There was some difficulty at first finding a publisher since social and sexual conflict was not openly discussed in late 19th century England. The title refers to Clym Yeobright, a young diamond merchant who has returned from Paris to his home and family in rural England to serve as a teacher to the poor. He finds himself in conflict with the rigid sexual morality of Victorian society and defiantly marries Eustacia, who wants only a life in Paris. When Clym insists on teaching, she commits suicide. First printing, first Heritage Press edition (originally published in serial form in "Belgravia" magazine in 1878. About 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches, 416 pages in cloth-covered boards showing graphic design featuring a snake and a butterfly, with gold lettering on spine. Illustrated with wood engravings by Agnes Miller Parker. Sorry, slipcase is missing, as is the "Sandglass," the publisher's flyer. Boards and text are complete, clean and unmarked. Perhaps a touch of edgewear, o/w no tearing, chipping, scratching, or bumped corners. Still capable of standing proudly in any bookcase. It is interesting to note that the novel mirrors in some ways Hardy's own return to his rural roots after a career as an architect in London. It has been the basis for several movies and works for the stage.