The Personal History of David Copperfield. By Charles Dickens. With Illustrations by H.K. Browne. London: Bradbury & Evans, 1850, ***First Edition, Early Issue, contemporary binding: half-leather with marbled boards, all plates present, 624 pp, 8.5 x 5.5", 8vo.
**Early Issue Points: 1) The engraved (vignette) title page includes the date at bottom edge - 1850. 2) Chapter XXVII is listed in Contents as page 283, but the chapter begins on page 282. 3) Page 19 line 39: "cha pter". 4) Page 16 line 1 & page 225 line 22: "recal". 5) Page 387 6 lines from bottom: "coroboration". 6) Page 472 line 37: no closing quotation marks.
This is NOT a first issue because "screwed" is present on Page 132 line 19.
In fair condition. Boards are scuffed at edges & worn at leather corners. White scuff marks exhibited to marbled paper on front board. Marbled paper on rear board is chipped at fore-edge & hinge - binding exposed. Leather hinges worn, but intact. Gilt lettering and ruling on leather spine dulled, but still legible. All edges marbled - marbling is faded from sun-exposure. Front gutter split with exposed binding. Previous ownership inscription found on front end-page (verso). Toning throughout text-block, with foxing to plates. Plate adjacent from page 23 is torn near bottom of gutter, but still intact. Contemporary binding intact. Please see photos.
A first edition, early issue of David Copperfield with leather binding and excellent restoration work. Dickens originally printed the novel as a serial in 1849 and 1850. Upon the release of the final installment, Bradbury & Evans published the first bound book edition on November 14, 1850. Beautiful gilt work and marbled end-pages.
Absolutely gift quality for any Charles Dickens admirer.
COLL1850JNOW
02/24 - HK1234