A very good Harper & Brothers first American edition of Jude the Obscure. First published in book form in 1895 (though the title page says 1896). It would be Hardy's last completed novel and has been named one of "The 100 greatest British novels" by the BBC. The first illustrated edition with the Frontis and 11 full-page black and white reproductions. 8vo. 488 pages - Publishers' finely woven green cloth with Harpers circular gilt stamped floral device on the front and gilt stamped titles to the spine. A bit of spotting to the cloth boards and spine, light sunning to the spine, corners lightly bumped and rubbed and some softening to spine tips with some fraying to the upper spine end. The hinge is just beginning to crack at the lower front pastedown. The interior is clean and unmarked with just minor toning to outer page edges.