Dickens, Dombey and Son, 1848, first edition in book form, possible presentation binding

DICKENS, CHARLES

Dombey and Son. Dombey and Son. London: Bradbury and Evans, 1848

8vo (211 x 132 mm.), FIRST EDITION IN BOOK FORM, 8-line errata leaf, engraved frontispiece and title-page with 38 plates (including the first ever example of a 'dark plate') after 'Phiz' (Hablot K. Browne), without half-title, contemporary pebbled green morocco, covers with fillets in black, spine in five compartments with raised bands and lettering in gilt, all edges gilt, pale yellow endpapers, bookseller's stamp on front endpaper ("Hale & Roworth King St Manchester"), some spotting and oxidisation to plates, upper hinge starting, slight wear to edges of binding

This binding is possibly one of the special publisher's bindings advertised in the parts issue of Pickwick, prepared for a number of Dickens' works around this period (see copy of Pickwick, sold in these rooms, 16 December 2010, lot 114; and also copy of Nicholas Nickleby, lot 115; also lots 24, 147 and 161 in present sale)

REFERENCE:

Smith I:8

PROVENANCE:

Henry Gillett, armorial bookplate