Description

Full-Leather. The first separate edition of this tale published in book form,. Originally published in 1850 as a selection in “Household Words”, and again in 1858 in book form in the compliation “Reprinted Pieces.” No contemporary English edition accompanied the American publication and it was not until 1899 that a separate book editio n was privately printed in Great Britain. Rebound in full red crushed morocco with double sets of gold rules and gilt floral decorations at corners. Elaborately gilt inner dentelles and new marbled en dpapers. Signed binding by BirdBall of Northhampton and London. Spine blackened and worn, with “C” in Child”s partially obscured. Illustrated with 11 engravings by Hammatt Billings. A.e.g. Printed on rectos only, with all plates appearing on versos of blank page. Original cloth cover and backstrip bound in at rear. A book usually prone to problems, but for wear to spine a fine copy in an otherwise elegant binding. Eckel p.186-7; Podeschi B203