Ethan Frome – Edith Wharton
VG Early Print 1912

For sale: a Rare and Exceptional first edition, early printing, hardcover copy of Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton. First Edition unstated, 1911 Scribner. Fourth Printing with 1912 on the title page and “Reprinted October, November 1911 and Reprinted November 1912” on the copyright page. Also with the word “wearily” in broken type on pg. 135 and four pages of ads at the end.

The exterior of the book is in Very Good condition with clean, cloth boards with a bit of sheen, and strong title gilt on the front board. The spine is heavily  sunned with a lightly faded title and author gilt, which is legible up close. The top page block has some marks, the side block is deckled, and the bottom is compressed. The hinges are strong with no cracks. Also with a heavy spine tilt, rolled spine ends, moderate to heavy edge wear, and rounded and rubbed  corners.  The interior of the book is in Very Good condition with the previous owner’s name on the second free end paper with bleed through on the More by Edith Wharton page. No other marks, inscriptions or other signs of ownership inside. The end papers and interior pages are clean and lightly toned.

No dust jacket.

Ethan Frome works his unproductive farm and struggles to maintain a bearable existence with his difficult, suspicious and hypochondriac wife, Zeena. But when Zeena’s vivacious cousin enters their household as a hired girl, Ethan finds himself obsessed with her and with the possibilities for happiness she comes to represent.

Ships promptly in a secure mailer with book wrapped in both craft paper and bubble wrap.