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Leipzig: Bernhard Tauchnitz, 1863 . First edition. Leather. Very Good. 6.5" by 5". None. The uncommon first Tauchnitz edition of Wilkie Collins's mystery novel, about a woman's quest to restore her and her sister's rightful inheritance. The three volume first Tauchnitz edition, the 'Author's Copyright Edition', with three volumes bound in two. Volume I, and volume II up to page 212 are present in the first volume, and the final half of volume II, and the entirety of volume III, appear in the second volume.Collins's novel was first published in 1862, and was originally serialised in Dickens's 'All the Year Round' magazine.Christian Bernhard Tauchnitz founded his Leipzig publishing firm in 1837 at the age of 20. His specialism was publishing foreign language books, particularly English. He began his firm at a defining period for English literature, as popular authors were producing a wider range of work in differing genres and forms. Tauchnitz built a good reputation with many leading British and American authors which lead him to be the principal publisher of English Language books in continental Europe from 1840 to 1940. With the bookplate of Josceline Grove to the front pastedown of each volume.In signed half calf bindings by Cavenagh of Dublin. In half calf signed bindings, with marbled paper covered boards. Fading to back strips, as is common with blue calf. Light fading to head of rear board of volume I. Light rubbing to volume II back strip head. Front hinge of volume I a touch strained, but firmly held. Bookplates to front pastedowns. Internally, firmly bound. Pages lightly age toned, with instances of significant spotting throughout, most concentrated to first and last few leaves of each volume. Further spotting and instances of foxing to page perimeters. Very Good