[Dickens], The Library of Fiction, 1836-37, first edition in book form

[DICKENS, CHARLES]

The Library of Fiction, or Family Story-Teller; consisting of Original Tales, Essays, and Sketches of Character. London: Chapman And Hall, 1836-37

2 volumes, 8vo (205 x 125mm.), FIRST EDITION IN BOOK FORM, half-titles, 28 plates by Hablot K. Browne (“Phiz”), R. Seymour, R.W. Buss and others, later publisher’s dark green cloth, covers with swirling device at centre and devices at each corner all in blind, spine lettered in gilt, collector’s chemises and full red morocco pull-off box, some spotting and browning, occasional staining, both volumes rebacked with professional restoration to bindings, reinforced hinges

As Eckel notes, “…the popularity of The Library of Fiction has been due to the publication in its pages of two very early efforts of Dickens as well as illustrations by Robert Seymour and R.W. Buss… ‘The Tuggses at Ramsgate’ had two pictures by the first illustrator of Pickwick, and ‘A Little Talk about Spring and Sweeps’ carried a plate by Seymour’s short-termed successor in that famous book… The first story was reprinted in the first octavo edition of Sketches by Boz, (1839); the title of the second was shortened to ‘The First of May’ and became a part of the second series of the Sketches, (1836).

It appears that this set is presented in a later binding. The first issue of volume one appeared in a black diced cloth and the first issue of volume two appeared in a blue diced cloth. The designs on the covers are also different between the first issues and the present set.

REFERENCE:

Eckel, pp. 137-39; Gimbel E122