Books

London: Richard Bentley, New Burlington Street, 1838. 1st Edition . Hardcover. Near Fine/No Jacket, As Issued. George Cruikshank. pp: [iv][1]2-331 [3]; [iv][1]2-307; [iv][1]2-315. THE FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE. Three mismatched bindings. Volumes I and II are bound in dark green leather over marbled boards with raised bands, gilt lettering and decoration to the spine. Volume III is bound in full blue leather with elaborate gilt decoration to the top board, gilt trim, red and gold title piece. 'Twist' first appeared in serial form in Bentley's Miscellany beginning February, 1837. The final issue was in March, 1839. There was no installment in June, 1837 due to the death of Mary Hogarth. The three volume set was published in September, 1838, six months before the final monthly part. There were reportedly only 528 copies printed. George Cruikshank illustrated the monthly parts and these illustrations were used for the triple decker. The final 'fireside' plate in Volume III…

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.

First editions of 'Oliver Twist' can be identified by their three volumes published by Richard Bentley in 1838, featuring 24 steel-engraved plates by George Cruikshank and no mention of the author’s name on the title page. Subsequent editions after Dickens’s death may also include his name as the author.