Shirley

First published in 1849, this novel is set in a Yorkshire mill district during the Luddite unrest of 1811-12. Robert Moore, a half-Belgian mill owner, installs new machinery and faces frame-breakers; his cousin Caroline Helstone lives a cramped life at the rectory. Shirley Keeldar, a young heiress, arrives as landowner and possible match. Industrial conflict, church politics, and two courtships occupy the plot. Louis Moore, Robert's tutor brother, and the Yorke family widen the household field. The book is a social novel of the cloth trade and women's limited choices, not a documentary of the Luddite risings.

Quarter bound in black leather series binding, green cloth boards. Red endleaves. Black and grey slipcase.