Dickens, Charles.

12mo, first edition, first impression, first issue, with 14-15mm between closest points of blindstamping and goldwreath on upper cover and the 'D' of 'Dickens' unbroken, with uncorrected text, engraved frontispiece and 3 plates coloured by hand and 4 woodcuts in the text all by John Leech, "Stave I" on p.1, red and blue title page, half-title and verso of title printed in blue, pale yellow endpapers, 2pp. of advertisements at the end, original cinammon vertically-waved cloth, stamped in blind and gilt, all edges gilt, some very slight sunning on the spine, a few small marks to the binding

Smith II:4

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A near fine copy of the novella in which Dickens "almost singlehandedly created the modern idea of Christmas" (Peter Ackroyd, Dickens).