Binding

The Keepsake for MDCCCXLIV. Edited by the Countess of Blessington. London: [William Wilcockson for] Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, New York: Appleton & Co., Paris: L. Curmer and Aubert and Co., Leipzig: T.O. Weigel, [1843]



8vo (9 1/4 x 6 3/8 in.; 235 x 162 mm). Frontispiece portrait, engraved additional title, 11 plates; occasional light marginal spotting. Contemporary dark-blue velvet, gilt-tooled strapwork frame encircling a gilt-stamped crown and monogram "M A R", cream watered-silk doublures and endleaves with similar gold strapwork, edges gilt, in a gray cloth fleece-lined drop-box with gilt-stamped arms of J. R. Abbey on upper cover.

Marie Amelie de Bourbon (supralibros and oval stamp "Bibliothèque de la Reine Palais Royal") — J. R. Abbey (bookplate, his sale, Sotheby's, 20 June 1977, lot 155)

Eckel, p. 176

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.

Presentation copy by the editor to Marie Amélie de Bourbon (1782-1866). This 1844 Keepsake publishes one of Dickens' few attempts at poetic writing: a 32 line piece entitled, "A Word in Season."