Dickens, Charles | First edition, with the fireside plate

Property from the Workman Collection

Dickens, Charles 

Oliver Twist; or, the Parish Boy's Progress by "Boz". London: Richard Bentley, 1838

3 vols., 8vo (203 x 120 mm). Half-titles in volumes 1 and 2 (as called for), etched frontispieces and 21 other plates by George Cruikshank, with the "Fireside" plate in vol. 3, list of illustrations in vol. 1, 4pp. publisher's advertisements at end vol. 1 and 2pp. at front vol. 3; light foxing and browning, two or three closed marginal tears. Original publisher's brown fine ribbed cloth, large central arabesque in blind on covers, spines gilt-lettered with imprint, pale yellow endpapers; spines evenly sunned, restoration to joints of vol. 3. Housed in custom brown morocco and marbled paper-covered board slipcase and folding chemise. 

First edition, first issue, with the "Fireside" plate. 

"Such is the influence which the condition of our own thoughts, exercises, even over the appearance of external objects. Men who look on nature, and their fellow-men, and cry that all is dark and gloomy, are in the right; but the sombre colours are reflections from their own jaundiced eyes and hearts. The real hues are delicate, and need a clearer vision."

A lovely copy of one of Dickens' best-loved works.

REFERENCE:

Smith I:4; Eckel 59-62; cf. Sadleir 696

PROVENANCE:

A & (?)S Lawrence (early ownership signature to front free endpapers and title)