Books

First US edition in book form, in the original quarter cloth binding, and scarce thus. The novel was first serialized in the US in parts from May 1838 to November 1839. On 15 November 1839 it was published in book form in two simultaneous formats: in full cloth (with 39 plates), and as a cheaper option the present quarter cloth (with two plates). To his irritation, Dickens received no payment for the publication, which was not subject to any copyright protection in the US. Octavo. Original blue quarter cloth (other variants in grey or brown cloth, no priority), neatly rebacked with the original spine laid down, drab boards. Housed in blue quarter cloth box. With 2 engraved plates by Hablot Knight Browne (Phiz), re-engraved by Joseph Yeager. At rear is 2 pp. advertisement "Lea and Blanchard... Have Just Published a Poetical Annual For 1840", variant to the 12 pp. catalogue Smith calls for. Recent bookplate of collector Peter Russell mounted to inside cover of box. Sides a little rubbed, inner hinges neatly reinforced, contents clean. A very good copy. Gimbel A43; Smith, First American Editions, pp. 121-3

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby is a novel by Charles Dickens. Originally published as a serial from 1838 to 1839, it was Dickens's third novel. The lengthy work follows the life of Nicholas Nickleby, a young man who must support his mother and sister after his father dies.