Books

London: James Macrone, 1836, 1837. 3 volumes. First editions of both works. 8vo, in a fine full olive morocco binding signed by Zaehnsdorf, ruled in gilt on covers. Very fine gilt decorations and lettering between raised bands of the spine. Gilt turn-ins. Fine decorative end-papers. 348; 342; 377, 17 ads. pp. A fine set, the binding very handsome with the spines lightly toned to honey. RARE FIRST EDITIONS OF BOTH WORKS. SKETCHES BY BOZ was Dickens first work to be published in book form. “It is a fact that first books by authors that go on to attain great eminence are the most difficult to acquire in collector’s condition. Early in the collecting period of Dickens’ publications it seems that the very best copies came to the surface first. Then the state of the books began to wane until at the present period Sketches by Boz make an appearance far from satisfactory.” This is especially true with Dickens. In addition to the importance of Dickens in world…

Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-day Life and Every-day People is Charles Dickens's first book, a collection of stories and essays that had been previously published in various periodicals.