Books

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.

Oliver Twist; or, the Parish Boy's Progress is Charles Dickens's second novel, and was first published as a serial from 1837 to 1839. The story centers on orphan Oliver Twist, born in a workhouse and sold into apprenticeship with an undertaker. After escaping, Oliver travels to London, where he meets the 'Artful Dodger', a member of a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by the elderly criminal Fagin.