Dickens, Charles

8vo, first English book edition, mixed issue (with signature 'E' on p.25 and pagination on p.26, 'S. Veller' on p.342, frontispiece and vignette title-page in the first state, plates 1, 2 and 4 are the first state of the second Seymour plate, 3 is the second state of the first plate, 5-7 are the first state, 8 and 9 are the 'Phiz' plates, plates 12-13 and 17-21 are the first state, 10-11 and 14-15 the second state, 23-24 are the second plate, the remainder are first plates), half title, etched frontispiece and vignette title-page and 41 other plates by Robert Seymour, R.W. Browne and H.K. Browne ('Phiz'), publisher's green cloth, covers embossed diagonally with alternating double rows of interlocking crescent devices and squares, "Pickwick Club" in gilt on spine, collector's black silk slipcase, contemporary inscription on half-title, some spotting and browning, neatly recased

Eckel, pp.17-58; Hatton & Cleaver, pp.3-88; Smith I:3; Grolier, English Hundred, 78

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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 rare primary binding, possibly mentioned by Smith (note 5) but not seen by him.