Les Miserables (Easton Press Edition)

A leather-bound Easton Press set of Hugo’s Les Misérables with Lynd Ward’s illustrations, in a series that traces its text and pictures to George Macy’s Limited Editions Club edition of 1938.

Victor Hugo’s novel of the convict Jean Valjean first appeared in 1862, and it has remained one of the most widely read works of nineteenth-century fiction. The Easton Press edition presents it in the Wraxall translation, which Hugo’s English publisher issued in the year of the novel, with illustrations by the American artist Lynd Ward. The only copyright statement in the volumes reads “The special contents of this edition are copyright 1938, 1966 by The Easton Press (MBI, inc.)”. The 1938 date points to George Macy’s Limited Editions Club, which commissioned Ward’s illustrations. Easton’s set is a later collector’s binding of that text and those pictures. Ward is remembered for his wordless novels in woodcut, and the set suits readers who collect either his work or fine leather-bound sets of the classics.

The Collector’s Library of Famous Editions. Illustrated by Lynd Ward. Two volumes, octavo. Vol. I: xv, [viii], 257pp.; vol. II: [xv], 288pp. Uniformly bound in maroon leather, with six raised bands to the spines, accented and lettered in gilt, and the covers decorated in gilt. All edges gilt, and orange silk moiré endpapers. Illustrated throughout both volumes with black-and-white illustrations by Lynd Ward. The Easton Press “Notes from the Archives” pamphlet is laid in. Fine throughout. A beautiful set that has been impeccably preserved.

Not currently on display in store. For viewing or more information, please contact rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au

Catalogue Number: HH000422