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First edition, a superb extra illustrated copy with the scarce suites of plates by Thomas Sibson and Frederick William Pailthorpe - neither of which are in the celebrated Suzannet and Vander Poel collections - in a particularly fine binding by Rivière, whose work was renowned for "the quality of the materials, the forwarding, and in the delicacy of the tooling" (ODNB). This edition includes the complete suite of Sketches of Expeditions from the Pickwick Club, a series of ten unofficial illustrations first published in 1838 to accompany some of the "most striking scenes" of the novel. Also included is Pailthorpe's 1882 series, 24 Illustrations to the Pickwick Club, all hand-coloured, described by Grego as "thoroughly in harmony with the first series of plates" by Phiz and Seymour (p. 450). All of the original plates are also present in their early states as called for, with no titles or imprints, The Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens's first novel, transformed the obscure journalist into England's most famous writer within months. The first monthly instalment was issued in an edition of 1,000 copies in April 1836. The work became a publishing sensation after the introduction of Sam Weller in chapter 10, the fourth instalment, issued in July 1836, after which the publishers reprinted the earlier instalments so that readers could catch up. The serial was originally intended to be primarily a vehicle for the cartoons of Robert Seymour, until he died by First edition, a superb extra illustrated copy with the scarce suites of plates by Thomas Sibson and Frederick William Pailthorpe - neither of which are in the celebrated Suzannet and Vander Poel collections - in a particularly fine binding by Rivière, whose work was renowned for "the quality of the materials, the forwarding, and in the delicacy of the tooling" (ODNB). This edition includes the complete suite of Sketches of Expeditions from the Pickwick Club, a series of ten unofficial illustrations first published in 1838 to accompany some of the "most striking scenes" of the novel. Also included is Pailthorpe's 1882 series, 24 Illustrations to the Pickwick Club, all hand-coloured, described by Grego as "thoroughly in harmony with the first series of plates" by Phiz and Seymour (p. 450). All of the original plates are also present in their early states as called for, with no titles or imprints, The Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens's first novel, transformed the obscure journalist into England's most famous writer within months. The first monthly instalment was issued in an edition of 1,000 copies in April 1836. The work became a publishing sensation after the introduction of Sam Weller in chapter 10, the fourth instalment, issued in July 1836, after which the publishers reprinted the earlier instalments so that readers could catch up. The serial was originally intended to be primarily a vehicle for the cartoons of Robert Seymour, until he died by suicide after the first number was published. Robert William Buss then took over, but he was inexperienced in steel engraving and had to be replaced. The final choice, Hablot Knight Browne ("Phiz"), was to be Dickens's chosen collaborator for the next two decades. READ MORE Octavo (270 x 129 mm). Late 19th-century red morocco by Rivière & Son, spine lettered in gilt in floral compartments, raised bands, triple gilt filleting to sides, floral gilt dentelles, dark blue coated endpapers, gilt edges. With original wrappers of part III bound in to rear. 112 engraved plates, including etched vignette title page ("Weller", no priority), frontispiece, 41 plates by Robert Seymour and Hablot Knight Browne (Phiz), with 2 additional plates by R. W. Buss. With bookplates of the barrister Herbert H. Smith to front pastedown and of Jeremy and Penny Martin to front free endpaper, and faded ownership inscription of one Alex F. Little to engraved title page. Very minor rubbing to extremities, light foxing to contents and offsetting from plates, a bright and attractive copy with sharp hand-coloured plates. Podeschi, H1137; Smith I.3. Joseph Grego, Pictorial Pickwickiana: Charles Dickens and His Illustrators, 1899.

"The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club," commonly known as "The Pickwick Papers," is Charles Dickens' debut novel, initially published in monthly installments from 1836 to 1837. The novel revolves around the escapades of the Pickwick Club, led by the kindly and naive Samuel Pickwick. The story begins with Mr. Pickwick, a wealthy and good-natured gentleman, forming a club dedicated to exploring and researching the quaint and curious phenomena of the English countryside. Accompanied by his faithful servant, Sam Weller, and his fellow club members - the sportsman Nathaniel Winkle, the poet Augustus Snodgrass, and the well-to-do Tracy Tupman - Pickwick embarks on a series of misadventures. Throughout their travels, the members encounter a myriad of colorful characters and find themselves in humorous and often absurd situations. Dickens uses the episodic structure of the novel to present a tapestry of vignettes, each showcasing different facets of English society, from the eccentric to the mundane. Among the memorable episodes is the mishap-filled romantic pursuit of Mr. Tupman, the amateur theatricals featuring Mr. Winkle's dubious acting skills, and Mr. Pickwick's inadvertent entanglements in legal disputes, including a memorable trial in which he is wrongfully accused of breach of promise. One of the standout characters is Sam Weller, Mr. Pickwick's witty and resourceful valet, whose distinctive Cockney speech and clever observations provide comic relief and endear him to readers. "The Pickwick Papers" is more than just a collection of humorous escapades; it also serves as a social commentary on various aspects of early 19th-century England. Dickens addresses issues such as the legal system, the injustices of debtors' prisons, the hypocrisies of the upper class, and the hardships faced by the working class. The novel's popularity lies in Dickens' sharp wit, vivid characterizations, and satirical observations of society, establishing his reputation as a master storyteller and cementing his place in the pantheon of English literature. "The Pickwick Papers" remains a beloved classic, appreciated for its humor, warmth, and insight into the human condition and the society of its time.