A mid 19th century third edition of
Dickens’ literary classic, Oliver Twist, the first to contain an apologetic
introduction by the author, to answer some of the criticism directed at the novel.
The book portrayed the lives of criminals and exposes the cruel treatment many
orphans faced in London during the mid-19th century. It satirises child labour,
domestic violence, and street children recruited as gang members.
There are 21 etched plates by
Cruikshank, not including the etched frontispieces.
Three finely bound volumes in
octavo, XII+331, 307, 315 pages
These volumes are in very good
shape, with minor rubbing and wear to the bindings. There is a very small burn hole
to the outer right margin of two leaves, not affecting any text or imagery.
There is some foxing and staining throughout, heavier to the plates.