Books

First edition, in the original monthly parts as published from May 1849 to November 1850. The set conforms to Hatton & Cleaver's collation of earliest issue throughout with only a few exceptions, noted below. Dickens's classic Bildungsroman is his most lightly disguised autobiographical fiction. In the preface to a later edition (1867), Dickens would call the novel his "favourite child", a sentiment shared by many readers: "With many lovers of the author's works David Copperfield ranks as the finest of his writings" (Eckel, p. 77). The novel has been adapted into films multiple times, including most recently in 2019, starring Dev Patel. The set varies from Hatton & Cleaver in these particulars: part 1 with variant rear advertisement; part 9 with terminal two leaves of "A. Hall" rear advertisement excised; part 11 with variant rear wrapper inner advertisement, part 12 without slips and the 6-page variant "Exhibition of industry" advertisement (and an additional advertisement, "Hydropathic establishment"). 20 numbers in 19 monthly parts, as issued. Original pale blue pictorial wrappers. Housed in blue cloth chemise within blue morocco pull-off case. With 40 engraved plates by H. K. Browne (Phiz). Contemporary ownership signature "Mr Nasmyth" to numbers 1, 2, 4, & 14. Repairs and a little wear to spines, slight wear and minor repairs to wrapper extremities, plates and contents generally clean (a few plates a little oxidized). A very good set. Eckel pp 75-77; Hatton & Cleaver, pp. 253-72.

Considered one of Charles Dickens' most popular works, 'David Copperfield' is a rich tapestry of Victorian life, blending humor, tragedy, and romance in a vibrant narrative.