The Dynasts signed limited large paper edition 3 volumes Thomas Hardy 1927

HARDY, Thomas. The Dynasts. An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon. In Three Parts. (Signed limited large paper edition)
 
London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1927.
 
3 volumes, large 8vo. Frontispiece etched portrait of Hardy by Francis Dodd in volume I, signed by the artist in pencil with tissue guard. One of 525 large paper copies signed by Hardy. Printed on handmade paper with titles and act headings in red. Original quarter vellum, gilt lettered spines, batik paper boards, edges uncut. With the original dust jackets.
 
Very good in very good jackets. Spines of the jackets toned. Volume I jacket with loss to the head of the spine and rear panel and a small mark to the centre of the front panel. Volume II jacket with tape repairs to the reverse. Vellum spines yellowed. Sporadic light foxing to preliminaries.
 
Hardy's vast historical drama of the Napoleonic wars, first issued in parts between 1904 and 1908. Conceived as a "closet drama" intended primarily for reading, it represents 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.