[Brontë (Charlotte)], "Currer Bell". Shirley. A Tale, 3 vol., first edition, vol. 3 with 3pp. Opinions of the Press at end, vol. 1 lacking publisher's catalogue at end, pastedowns with contemporary ownership name of H.W. Best, vol. 3 small paper flaw affecting one or two letters of title & pp.257-264 with small chipping to fore-margin, vol. 2 front free endpaper with few short tears and working loose, the odd spot or small staining, lightly browned, hinges broken with contents loose, contemporary plain cloth, rebacked preserving much of backstrips, some stains, faded, corners worn with loss, 8vo, Smith, Elder and Co., 1849.

⁂ Brontë had begun writing Shirley in the spring of 1848, still buoyed by the success of Jane Eyre. Writing though would not come as easily to her as it did previously and progress was ultimately stalled by the crushing tragedy of losing her three siblings in less than a year. Charlotte persevered however and the novel was published in October 1849.