The Vicar of Wakefield. A Tale., Dr. Oliver Goldsmith — 1st Edition Thus

£185.00

The Vicar of Wakefield. A Tale., Dr. Oliver Goldsmith — 1st Edition Thus

Name: The Vicar of Wakefield. A Tale., Dr. Oliver Goldsmith — 1st Edition Thus
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4263
Price: 185.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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£185.00

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Publication: Hereford, Printed & Sold by D. Walker (and G. Sael, London), 1798.

Formatting: 12mo, two volumes in one (continuous pagination), complete with half-title.

Condition Report: Very Good. This copy is housed in a handsome contemporary full tree calf binding, which remains remarkably vibrant with the marbled patterning largely unoxidised. The boards show only marginal rubbing to the extremities and slight softening to the corners, while the spine, decorated with elegant gilt tooling and a contrasting red leather title label, retains excellent shelf presence despite mild surface wear. The joints remain secure and the text block is tightly bound. Internally, the pages are generally crisp and well-margined, though there is localised spotting, most notably some characteristic offset browning and droplet staining to the title page and the frontispiece vignette. A well-preserved and highly attractive provincial survival.

Catalogue Note: This provincial edition is highly sought after as the "First Edition Thus," marking the first time the novel was embellished with the iconic woodcut engravings of Thomas Bewick. Bewick’s pioneering naturalistic style perfectly complements the enduring rural themes of the narrative, establishing this as a significant volume for collectors of early English book illustration.

The volume carries excellent provenance, bearing the handsome pictorial bookplates of James F. Wallace and John A. Irving on the front endpapers. The preliminary leaves also feature early, elegant ink ownership signatures of J.H. Sutherland and Thomas Head of Seaton. Copies of this masterpiece featuring Bewick’s woodcuts that survive in complete, authentic contemporary bindings are remarkably scarce on the open market.

Oliver Goldsmith's enduring 18th-century masterpiece follows the tribulations and eventual triumphs of Dr. Charles Primrose, a country cleric whose idyllic family life is upended by sudden financial ruin and the machinations of the villainous Squire Thornhill. Through abductions, imprisonment, and deception, Primrose's unyielding faith and unshakeable optimism serve as the moral anchor of the narrative. A masterful blend of pastoral romance, gentle satire, and moral fable, this tale remains a poignant exploration of virtue tested by adversity.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Oliver Goldsmith

Book Publisher: D. Walker

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Classic Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1798

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Thomas Bewick

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Hereford, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.