THE DYNASTS

First edition. Signed by Hardy on the limitation page.

Limited to 525 copies. 

Subtitled: "An epic-drama of the war with Napoleon, in three parts, nineteen acts, and one hundred and thirty scenes, the time covered by the action being about ten years" 

Hardy's vast historical drama of the Napoleonic wars, first issued in parts between 1904 and 1908 was conceived as a 'closet drama' intended primarily for reading, is Hardy's most ambitious poetic work. The play traces the campaigns of Napoleon from the outbreak of war in 1805 to Waterloo, combining historical figures with Hardy's characteristic philosophical reflections on fate and history. A signed limited issue, enhanced by the signed etched portrait by Francis Dodd in volume I, signed by the artist in pencil with tissue guard.

Published by: Macmillan and Co. London 1927

Binding: Van Dyke brown and beige swirled watercolour batik design. Printed on handmade paper with titles and act headings in red. Original quarter vellum, gilt lettered spines, deckled edged pages.  

Condition: Very good. Well preserved. Binding tight throughout. Small block of discolouring/tanning due to the CS Barlow book plate for the following three pages. Also Ex libris Robert Tendall. Edges bumped.