Dickens, David Copperfield, 1850, presentation copy inscribed to Brookes of Sheffield

DICKENS, CHARLES

The Personal History of David Copperfield. London: Bradbury and Evans, 1850

8vo (212 x 132mm.), FIRST BOOK EDITION, engraved frontispiece, additional title (earlier issue, with date) and 38 plates after Hablot K. Browne ('Phiz'), PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY DICKENS ON THE HALF-TITLE ("To | 'Brookes of Sheffield' | From | Charles Dickens | May, 1851"), accompanying autograph letter signed loosely inserted (5 lines, presenting the book to Messrs Brookes, London 15 May 1851: "I beg to send you the book which I find has been delayed by a mistake ...."), contemporary dark green morocco, covers panelled in blind, spine with raised bands and lettered in gilt, all edges gilt, yellow coated endpapers, preserved in green morocco-backed card case and matching slipcase, some plates heavily browned, some slight spotting and soiling, a few repaired tears, very expert restoration to spine and corners of binding; letter slightly spotted with small rust mark, slight tear and creased at folds

AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE INSCRIBED PRESENTATION COPY OF THE MOST AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL OF ALL DICKENS' NOVELS, HIS OWN 'FAVOURITE CHILD'. Only two other inscribed presentation copies of David Copperfield have been sold at auction since 1975 (the Self copy at Christie's New York in December 2009 and the Gotschalk copy sold at Sotheby's in December 2000).

The character Mr. Murdstone refers to a "Brooks of Sheffield" in chapter two of the novel, and his name is referenced another 13 times (see quotation in italics, below). Correspondence followed between Dickens and John Brookes, of 16 Mulberry Street, Sheffield, manufacturer of fine penknives, razors and other tools, and the author subseqently presented him with this copy of Copperfield from his own library. In an earlier letter to Brookes dated 25 April 1851, now at Yale, in which Dickens acknowleges the git of a case of cutlery, the author writes that "the introduction of your name in the story is one of those remarkable coincidences that defy all calculation. I had no idea I was taking a liberty with any existing firm...It came into my head as I wrote, just as any other name and address might have done if I had been diverting the attention of a real child...I shall beg you to do me the favor of accepting my own copy of Copperfield which as coming from the shelves in my study, will perhaps have an interest for you that another copy might not possess. I will send it tomorrow' (The Letters of Charles Dickens, volume 6, p.362). There was, however, a delay of around three weeks, hence Dickens' apology in the letter inserted here.

In his preface to the 1869 edition of David Copperfield Dickens wrotes that "Of all my books, I like this the best. It will be easily believed that I am a fond parent to every child of my fancy, and that no one can ever love that family as dearly as I love them. But, like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is David Copperfield".

‘Quinion,’ said Mr. Murdstone, ‘take care, if you please. Somebody’s sharp.’

‘Who is?’ asked the gentleman, laughing. I looked up, quickly; being curious to know.

‘Only Brooks of Sheffield,’ said Mr. Murdstone.

I was quite relieved to find that it was only Brooks of Sheffield; for, at first, I really thought it was I.

There seemed to be something very comical in the reputation of Mr. Brooks of Sheffield, for both the gentlemen laughed heartily when he was mentioned, and Mr. Murdstone was a good deal amused also. After some laughing, the gentleman whom he had called Quinion, said:

‘And what is the opinion of Brooks of Sheffield, in reference to the projected business?’

‘Why, I don’t know that Brooks understands much about it at present,’ replied Mr. Murdstone; ‘but he is not generally favourable, I believe.’

There was more laughter at this, and Mr. Quinion said he would ring the bell for some sherry in which to drink to Brooks. This he did; and when the wine came, he made me have a little, with a biscuit, and, before I drank it, stand up and say, ‘Confusion to Brooks of Sheffield!’ The toast was received with great applause, and such hearty laughter that it made me laugh too; at which they laughed the more. In short, we quite enjoyed ourselves....

REFERENCE:

Smith I:9; Eckel p.77; Sadleir 686

PROVENANCE:

Charles Dickens, authorial presentation inscription and letter; William Brookes and Sons; Christie's, 13 June 2012, lot 106