Dickens, Charles

12mo (164 x 100mm.), first edition, Todd's first impression, first issue, with 14-15mm. between closest points of blindstamping and gold wreath of upper cover , the "D" of "Dickens" unbroken and the text uncorrected, "Stave 1" on p.[1], engraved frontispiece and 3 plates coloured by hand and 4 woodcuts in the text all by John Leech, red and blue title page, half-title and verso of title printed in blue, 2pp. of advertisements at the end, original cinnamon vertically-waved cloth, stamped in blind and gilt, all edges gilt, green endpapers, preserved in red cloth chemise and morocco pull-off box by Riviere, later ownership inscription on front free endpaper, occasional small stains, slightly browned in places, small tear to lower margin of "Scrooge's third visitor," binding slightly scuffed and faded, spine bumped at head and foot, endpapers faded, chemise worn

Smith II:4

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."

First edition of Dickens' Christmas Carol, the novella that can be said to have invented the modern idea of Christmas.

The various issues and states of A Christmas Carol have been argued over for generations: the present copy conforms to Calhoun & Heaney's first edition, first issue, second state and to Todd's first impression, first issue (both summarised in Smith).