Books

London: Richard Bentley, 1838. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Good. First edition of Dicken's second novel in publishers blind-stamped brown cloth with gilt to spine. Second issue Vol I , with the title-page authorship credit to Charles Dickens (instead of "Boz") and with the "church" version of the final plate (instead of the "fireside"). Presumed first issue of Vol II with "Boz" (not Dickens) identified as author on title page. First issue of volume III with "pilaster" instead of "pier" or "pedestal" on page 164. Spines slightly cocked, and front hinge revealed in volumes I and III. Some loss at spine ends. One plate in Vol I sprung. All collate as required. An unsophisticated trio showing its natural, uniform age.

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.