The Bride’s Fate Emma Southworth c1895 Illustrated Sequel Victorian Novel
 
Title & Bibliographic Details
 
Title: The Bride’s Fate
Author: Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth
Date: Circa 1895–1919 (undated edition)
Edition: Later Victorian/Edwardian edition (first published 1869)
Publisher: W. Nicholson & Sons, Limited, London & Wakefield
Printer: W. Nicholson & Sons, Printers, Wakefield
 
This edition can be reliably dated to circa 1895–1919, based on the publisher’s recorded address at 26 Paternoster Square, London, which was occupied by W. Nicholson & Sons during this period.
 
Historical & Bibliographic Context
 
The Bride’s Fate is a continuation of Southworth’s popular domestic novel The Changed Brides, part of her extensive body of sensational and sentimental fiction that captivated Victorian readers.
 
Emma Southworth was one of the most widely read authors of the 19th century, particularly in America and Britain, with her works frequently serialised before book publication. Her novels often explore themes of identity, morality, gender roles, and dramatic reversals of fortune – hallmarks of Victorian popular fiction.
 
By the late 19th century, her works were being widely reprinted in affordable editions such as this, reflecting sustained demand and enduring readership.
 
About the Author
 
Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte Southworth (1819–1899) was a prolific American novelist, famed for her serialised fiction and dramatic storytelling.
 
About the Illustrator
 
This edition features a dramatic frontispiece illustration, captioned:
 
"TELL HIM WHO I AM, MY DARLING WIFE. TELL HIM WHO I AM!!" – p.380
 
Such theatrical illustrations were typical of late Victorian fiction, enhancing reader engagement and collectability.
 
Binding & Exterior Description
 
Bound in decorated rust-coloured cloth, with:
 
Black ornamental designs to front and rear boards
Decorative detailing to the spine
Gilt lettering to front board and spine
Publisher’s imprint present
 
The binding remains structurally intact, with:
 
Partial split along rear spine joint
Rubbing and bumping to corners
Edge wear and light fraying at head and tail of spine
Light fading, marks, and surface scratches
 
Despite wear, the book retains strong period charm and shelf presence.
 
Interior Condition
 
Pages are tanned but remain thick and crisp
Light scattered marks, otherwise clean
Pencil inscription to front pastedown: “Mrs J H Lumb”
No further annotations
 
Condition issues include:
Small tear to bottom of page 211 (and adjoining leaf), not affecting text
Small tear to inner margin of page 297 (and adjoining leaf), not affecting text
Occasional light creasing to page corners
Very light, partial gutter crack at rear endpapers
 
All 383 pages are present, and the text block remains firm and secure.
 
Physical Details
 
Pagination: 383 pages
Dimensions: 19 cm x 12.1 cm x 3.1 cm
Weight: Approx. 410g
 
Rarity & Collector Notes
 
This edition is best classified as Uncommon.
 
Justification:
Later reprint rather than first edition (1869)
Publisher-specific edition (W. Nicholson & Sons) less frequently encountered
Survival rate moderate but declining due to fragile cloth bindings
 
Market observations:
Copies of The Bride’s Fate do appear occasionally
However, this specific Nicholson imprint edition is less commonly seen
Most available copies are either earlier American printings or later generic reprints
 
Desirable features:
Complete text
Original decorative cloth binding
Illustrated frontispiece
Named ownership inscription adding minor provenance interest
 
Provenance
 
Pencil inscription: “Mrs J H Lumb” to front pastedown
Suggests private late Victorian or early 20th-century ownership