THE POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF THE PICKWICK CLUB.
London: Chapman and Hall, 1837. First edition of his first novel. Mixed state, presumably bound from the original parts. Vignette title page in the first state ("Veller" vs. "Weller" in sign); pp. 25-6 in the 3rd issue; and earliest issue of Parts 8, 12 (pp. 341-2 variant "A" with correct spellings and incorrect "S. Veller," as called for), 13, and 14 [Hatton & Cleaver; Smith, Part I: 3]. All plates present and first issue (i.e., without Chapman & Hall imprint) -- including the suppressed R. W. Buss plates -- as called for [note: the various states of the plates vary widely depending on which bibliography is consulted -- or widely enough at any rate that this particular cataloger threw in the proverbial towel]. Early quarter-leather binding (unsigned) with leather corners and marbled paper-covered boards, all edges marbled, marbled endpapers; spine decorated in gilt and blind with gilt-lettered red leather label and 4 gilt-decorated raised bands; half-title bound between frontis plates and title page. Most plates darkened at edges and several additionally tanned, including the frontis and vignette title page; tape repair to fore edge p. 8; dark stain to upper right corner of plate opposite p. 94 with offsets to opposing leaves, otherwise only occasional foxing and light scattered staining to text. With the noted faults still overall quite good with binding sound and showing only expected wear to marbled sides.
Item #72420
Price: $1,500.00