Books

First edition, in the original monthly parts, of Dickens's first novel, and that which established his fame, transforming him from an almost unknown young journalist when the first part was issued, to a household name by the final. The novel was issued in monthly parts from March 1836 to November 1837, and afterwards in book form. The novel increased in popularity as publication progressed, and individual parts were frequently reissued to meet public demand. All these issues were printed from the first edition plates. Alterations to wrappers, advertisements, text and plates indicate first or subsequent issues. This set has the points of first issue for parts 14-19/20, and of later issue for parts 1-13. Of the most prominent points, it has the Buss plates replaced by those of Phiz, has all the address slips save for those in parts 2 and 3 (as often), and first state wrappers for parts 9-10 and 14-19/20. A full list of the set's points is available on request. 20 numbers in 19 monthly parts, as issued. Original light blue wrappers printed in black. Housed in custom green cloth solander box. Etched vignette title page, frontispiece, and 41 plates by Robert Seymour and Hablot Knight Browne (Phiz). Parts 9 and 16 with neat early signature to front wrapper of one W. B. Pershouse, parts 18 and 19 with early signature of one Major Preston (?), part 18 with early stamp of Pocock's Warehouse; recent bookplate of Peter Russell inside front panel of box. Neat repairs to spines, occasional light nicking at wrapper extremities (repaired in a few instances), a few parts with light toning and spotting to contents, generally clean. A very good set. John C. Eckel, The First Editions of Charles Dickens, 1932, pp. 17-59, and Prime Pickwicks in Parts, 1928; Thomas Hatton and Arthur C. Cleaver, Bibliography of the Periodical Works of Charles Dickens, 1933, pp. 1-88; W. Miller and E. H. Strange, Centenary.

"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.