Charles Dickens, 1836

DICKENS, Charles (1812-1870). Sketches by "Boz," Illustrative of Every-Day Life, and Every-Day People. London: John Macrone, 1836.

Exceptionally fine copy of the first edition of Dickens’s first book. The Ewing-Manney set. Most of the sketches present here were previously published in periodicals, with the exception of "A Visit to Newgate," "The Black Veil," and "The Great Winglebury Duel," which are in their first appearances here. The preface is dated February 1836. The very fine condition of this copy is exceptionally rare. Eckel, p. 11; Sadleir 699; Smith I:1.

Two volumes, octavo (200 x 125mm). 2 frontispieces and 14 etched plates by George Cruikshank (some toning). Original green cloth, spines lettered in gilt within ornamental shield, yellow-coated endpapers (spine ends rubbed, corners just bumped). Custom chemises and green half morocco slipcase. Provenance: “R.C.” (initials on front pastedowns dated 27 May 1836) - William E. Stockhausen (his sale, Sotheby's New York, 19 November 1974, lot 115) - Douglas C. Ewing (bookplates, his sale Christie's New York, 7 April 1978, lot 75) - Richard Manney (bookplate, his sale Sotheby’s New York, 11 October 1991, lot 75).