Books

London: Chapman and Hall, 1837. First edition in book form. Good +. Octavo (22 cm) xiv, [2], 609 pages, and 43 plates. Extra engraved title page. In full tan polished calf, marbled edges. Binding worn at edges and along joints. Old bookplate, old ownership autograph. Frontispiece, engraved title, and most plates toned and vignetted, with foxing present on many. Otherwise a good sound copy. First edition with following points of issue: "S. Veller" on page 342, line 5; "this friends" on page 400, line 21; imperfect letter "f" in headline on page 342. Signboard on the engraved title reads "Weller" where "Veller" might indicate a first state, but a penciled note on the front blank reads "the 'w' version is frequently found in copies which otherwise have plates in the first issue."

"The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club," commonly known as "The Pickwick Papers," is Charles Dickens' debut novel, initially published in monthly installments from 1836 to 1837. The novel revolves around the escapades of the Pickwick Club, led by the kindly and naive Samuel Pickwick. The story begins with Mr. Pickwick, a wealthy and good-natured gentleman, forming a club dedicated to exploring and researching the quaint and curious phenomena of the English countryside. Accompanied by his faithful servant, Sam Weller, and his fellow club members - the sportsman Nathaniel Winkle, the poet Augustus Snodgrass, and the well-to-do Tracy Tupman - Pickwick embarks on a series of misadventures. Throughout their travels, the members encounter a myriad of colorful characters and find themselves in humorous and often absurd situations. Dickens uses the episodic structure of the novel to present a tapestry of vignettes, each showcasing different facets of English society, from the eccentric to the mundane. Among the memorable episodes is the mishap-filled romantic pursuit of Mr. Tupman, the amateur theatricals featuring Mr. Winkle's dubious acting skills, and Mr. Pickwick's inadvertent entanglements in legal disputes, including a memorable trial in which he is wrongfully accused of breach of promise. One of the standout characters is Sam Weller, Mr. Pickwick's witty and resourceful valet, whose distinctive Cockney speech and clever observations provide comic relief and endear him to readers. "The Pickwick Papers" is more than just a collection of humorous escapades; it also serves as a social commentary on various aspects of early 19th-century England. Dickens addresses issues such as the legal system, the injustices of debtors' prisons, the hypocrisies of the upper class, and the hardships faced by the working class. The novel's popularity lies in Dickens' sharp wit, vivid characterizations, and satirical observations of society, establishing his reputation as a master storyteller and cementing his place in the pantheon of English literature. "The Pickwick Papers" remains a beloved classic, appreciated for its humor, warmth, and insight into the human condition and the society of its time.

First editions of 'The Pickwick Papers' were published in monthly installments from April 1836 to November 1837. Detecting a first edition involves checking the serialization format, dates, and the publishers’ imprint indicating Chapman & Hall.