Books

Chapman & Hall, London, 1843. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine. First editions of all five Christmas books in extraordinary condition, featuring a near fine and unrestored copy of the true first issue of The Christmas Carol, with "Stave I" on p. [1] and with the text entirely uncorrected. With all known first issue points: title page in blue and red, dated 1843, chalky green endpapers, 14-15mm between the gilt wreath and the left margin blind-stamping on the front cover, a perfect "D" in "Dickens" in the front cover wreath. According to the most recent exhaustive study (Todd's, analyzing the front cover), this copy is of the earliest state of the first issue. Near fine condition, and rare as such. Other books also in near fine or fine condition. Cricket has second state of ad leaf in rear, and Battle of Life has the 4th state of the title page. Housed in a custom-made collector's case.

A Christmas Carol is a novella by English author Charles Dickens. It was first published by Chapman & Hall in 1843 and tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy, greedy, and cold-hearted old miser who is transformed into a kind, generous man after visits by the ghost of his former business partner and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come.

One indication of the first edition of 'A Christmas Carol' is the presence of red and blue title page, a red cloth binding, and yellow endpapers. Additionally, on the verso of the title page, it should be dated 1843 and state 'London: Published for the Author by Chapman & Hall, 186 Strand.'