Books

Chapman and Hall, 1859. First Edition. Leather Binding. Near Fine. A complete set of the first edition in original parts, housed in a stunning full plum morocco solander case, 'spine' with raised bands and elaborate gilt floral tooling. First edition of the original 8 parts issued in 7 numbers. Octavo. [i-vii], viii, [ix-x], [1], 2-254 pages. 16 inserted plates by Phiz. Original green printed wrappers, designed by Phiz. Wrappers correct except: back pf Part V supplied from a Dorrit; front of VII/VIII is actually doctored from a Part I, and back of that number is from a Dorrit. In Part III the called-for 'Morrison's Pills' ads is replaced with the 'Morisonian Monument' ad (as it often shows up). Part V wants its 'Advertiser' and slip to follow (and has a superfluous ad for Waterlow). Part VII/VIII lacks the rarely seen Cornhill ad and substitutes several more common ads. Otherwise matches Hatton & Cleaver. Page 134 line 12 has the first issue misspeling 'affetcionately'. List of…

A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The novel tells the story of the French Doctor Manette, his 18-year-long imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris and his release to live in London with his daughter Lucie, whom he had never met. The story is set against the conditions that led up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror.

First editions of 'A Tale of Two Cities' can be identified by the presence of the publisher's name, Chapman & Hall, on the title page. Additionally, the phrase 'All the Year Round' on the title page indicates that it might be a first edition as the book was serialized there alongside its initial publication in book form.