Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #131 begins on 21 May 2026

Hardy (Thomas)

THE DYNASTS

SIGNED by Hardy. Three volumes

Published: Macmillan and Co.Ltd, London, 1927

Edition: First limited edition

Reserve: $400

Approximately:

Estimate: $600-800

Bidding opens: 21 May 16:30 GMT

Bidding closes: 28 May 16:30 GMT

Ships from: South Africa

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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. 

  • Binding Condition: Very good
  • Overall Condition: Very good
  • Size: Large 8vo (28x20cm)


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