Books

First edition in book form, handsomely bound by Francis Bedford (1799-1883), who was "considered the leading English bookbinder of his time, surpassed only by the best French binders" (ODNB). Hard Times was the shortest, but also arguably the most political, of Dickens's novels, as well as being the only novel set entirely outside of London. It was originally issued in 20 weekly parts from April to August 1854. Octavo (185 x 120 mm). Finely bound in contemporary tan calf, spine with raised bands, decorated in gilt with red morocco onlays, green morocco title label, covers bordered with triple gilt fillet, board edges and turn-ins gilt, marbled endpapers, edges gilt. Small loss to headcap, spine and extremities rubbed, faint marks to covers, bookplate remnant to rear pastedown, internally clean. A very good copy. Smith, I, 11.

Charles Dickens' 'Hard Times' is a critical examination of Victorian industrial society and its impact on human life, depicting harsh realities of the era.