Books

Philadelphia: Lea and Blanchard, 1839. First American Edition, 1st Printing. Hardcover. Near fine. Small octavo (in fours), 2 volumes. 224pp., 196pp., plus 16pp. of publisher's advertisements at the rear of volume II. A married set in uniform condition externally, bound in the publisher's original drab boards with rose-colored muslin cloth spines and printed spine labels. Boards worn at the corners, with some flaking to the spine labels, rather more so on volume I. Volume I has a contemporary owner's name inked to the front paste-down, and is heavily and evenly browned, though reasonably crisp and sound. Volume II is slightly shaken, but brighter, with very little foxing. Early 20th century bookplate to the front paste-down, front inner hinge notably cracked and exposed, but the binder's rope holding. Overall the set in good condition. (Note that the copy of volume I that originally accompanied our volume II is also included here, but is in very poor condition, heavily chewed at one…

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.