Dickens, Charles

The Story of Little Dombey. London: Bradbury & Evans, 1858



In 8s (6 7/8 x 4 3/8 in.; 175 x 111 mm). Half-title, terminal leaf of advertisements.

John Gribbel (bookplate, sale, Parke-Bernet, January 22, 1941, lot 175) — Albert Henry Wiggin (bookplate) — Lynde Selden (bookplates)

Eckel, p. 215; Gimbel/Podeschi B171

Joints rubbed, spine lightly faded; original wrappers restored. Slipcase soiled.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First publication of Dickens's abridged reading text (preceded by a privately printed reading edition), issued to correspond with the author's first public reading tours.

An early and highly emblematic Cosway binding with a large miniature on ivory by Miss C. B. Currie on each cover. Crushed blue morocco, the front cover with an inset portrait, gilt-titled "Little Paul," surrounded by a gilt "irradiante" frame of projecting fillets of varying length; the rear cover with an inset painting, gilt-titled "Florence and Little Paul," surrounded by an identical gilt frame; spine gilt in six compartments; board edges with single gilt fillet; turn-ins panelled with gilt fillets and simple irradiante cornerpieces, foot of front turn-in gilt-stamped "Bound by Rivière & Son," ivory moiré silk linings, foot of front lining gilt-stamped "Miniatures C. B. Currie," foot of rear lining signed "Bound by Rivière & Son from Designs by J. H. Stonehouse," top edge gilt, others uncut; original pictorial green wrappers bound in at end. Blue cloth slipcase.