The Bondman. A New Saga

London: Heinemann, 1890. From the Bart Auerbach Collection. Spines faded, an inch tear at top of rear outer joint of vol. 3, small water-stain on front covers of vols. 2 and 3). 3 volumes, 8vo. Original scarlet cloth, spines gilt-lettered. First edition. Presentation copy from Caine to his wife, inscribed by him on the dedication page on his own behalf and also on behalf of their son, the dedicatee of this three-decker: "To my dear wife with my love, & the love of ' Sunlocks.' Hall Caine. 1/Feb/90." The printed dedication reads: "To My Son, Little Sunlocks." ("Sunlocks" is also the nickname of the small son Michael in the novel.) 'The Bondman ' , a family saga set in Iceland and the Isle of Man and a very popular book in its time, is Caine's third novel, his last three-decker, and Heinemann's first publication. A four-page publisher's catalogue dated January 1890 at the end of each vol.; a four-page advertisement quoting reviews of ' The Bondman ' and announcing the "Second Edition, Now Ready, " tipped in at front of vol. 1. Despite binding defects noted above, a nice copy of a scarce three-decker. Sadleir 481; Wolff 1033; Room, ' Bloomsbury Dictionary of Dedications ' , p. 51. (BA).