Description

Original Cloth. First Edition. 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 edition was privately printed in Great Britain. Bound in original terra cotta cloth stamped in black and gold. Cloth has one small nick on bevel of front board, else fine. Illustrated with 11 engravings by Hammatt Billings. A.e.g. Printed on rectos only, with all plates appearing on versos of blank page. Usually found in green cloth, this copy conforms to Podeschi’s second copy, no priority. An attractive copy with cloth clean and gilt bright. Very good+. Eckel p.186-7; Podeschi B203