DICKENS, CHARLES
Oliver Twist; or, the Parish Boy's Progress. By "Boz." London: Richard Bentley, 1838. First edition, first issue with "By Boz" to each title page and the "Fireside" plate facing p. 313 in volume III. Three volumes. Contemporary half green/black morocco over marbled boards. 7 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches (19 x 11.5 cm); volume I with half-title, 331 pp., 307 pp., 315 pp., with most first issue points called for by Smith (all to volume I, 2 corrected in volume II, volume III with corrected signature G), 24 plates including the "Fireside" plate, bound without ads or list of illustrations. The boards rubbed, joint to volume I starting, other light wear, the plates and some leaves foxed, a few signatures or leaves sprung, ownership signature to verso of one plate in volume I and signatures (Reginald Wm. Templer) to each flyleaf.
Dickens was displeased with the "Fireside" plate and ordered it replaced and his name added to the title page within a week of publication, thus the first issue of the book is scarce. Gimbel A27; Sadleir 696; Eckel p. 59; Together with two other Dickens titles. Comprising The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. London: Chapman and Hall, 1837. First edition in book form. Early marbled boards, rebacked to style. 609 pp., 43 plates. Foxing to plates, edgewear and tears; and The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit. London: Chapman and Hall, 1844. First edition in book form, first issue. Early marbled boards, rebacked to style. 624 pp., 40 plates, the engraved title having amount on sign post transposed to read 100£. Small repairs, plates foxed, some light edgewear.