Framley Parsonage

London: Smith, Elder & Co, 1861. First edition. Leather. Good. 8" by 5". John Everett Millais. Illustrated by Millais, this is the first edition of this instalment of Anthony Trollope's Chronicles of Barsetshire, a series praised for their insight into Victorian life and society. The first edition in book form of this work from Anthony Trollope, the fourth novel in Trollope's 'Chronicles of Barsetshire' series, preceded by Doctor Thorne, and followed by 'The Small House at Allington'. First serialised in the Cornhill Magazine in 1860, this three volume first edition in book form was published in April 1861.In half calf singed bindings from Maclehose of Glasgow, this work is set in Trollope's fictional county of Barsetshire, following young gentleman-vicar Mark Robarts as his values are tested. Like many of Trollope's novels, it confronts themes including property, status, and social convention.Illustrated with six plates from John Everett Millais, a founding member of the pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, who provided illustrations for a number of Trollope's works. Collated, complete.The first edition, first issue, with a misplaced quotation mark and comma around the first word of the seventeenth line on page 238 of volume III. Bound without the publisher's advertisements or catalogue.With binder's stamp to head of each front pastedown, and small bookplate with the initials 'IB' to each front pastedown also. To the title page of volume I is the contemporary owner's inscription of Isabella Blackburne, 1862. In half calf signed bindings, with marbled paper covered boards. Fading and significant rubbing to back strips. Small tear to head of volume II back strip. Tail of volume II front joint starting, with board holding firm. Front and rear hinge of each volume starting, with all holding firm aside from front hinge of volume I, which is somewhat strained. Binder's stamp and small bookplate to head of each front pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. Contemporary owner's inscription to head of volume I title page. Pages bright, with instances of handling marks and spotting to page perimeters. Good