Available is a first edition, true first printing of Charles Dickens "Bleak House". This four volume set was rebound from the original Harper's Monthly Magazines. "Bleak House" is serialized in its entirety in these volumes. Published between April, 1852 (Vol 4) and October 1853 (Vol 7), the serial fiction is found within 18 different issues (all present within the 4-vol set). The chapters are illustrated with 37 different 3/4 page and full page illustrations. These issues predate the "1st American Edition" Harper & Bros. 2 vol set printed at the end of 1853. *(See Podeschi E97-E105a, p.308). These sets are becomming increasingly scarce in complete conditon due to the other articles written within the volumes. They are becomming even more scarce in a complete and beautiful binding, with great shelf appearance - these volumes fit both needs. As a bonus, the volumes not only include other Charles Dickens stories, but also have a large portion (21 issues) of John Abbott's "Napoleon Bonaparte", Jacob Abbott's "Memoirs of the Holy Land", an article on Benjamin Franklin, another on the American Arctic Expedition, Mormons, fashion plates, political cartoons, and many other interesting topics. Each volume averages approx. 878 pages.
*Reference book used: Podeschi, John B. DICKENS AND DICKENSIANA: A Catalogue of the Richard Gimbel Collection in the Yale University Library. New Haven Yale University Press 1980 1st edition. The catalogue includes major and minor book editions, illustrated editions, periodicals, manuscripts, autograph letters, and the many other related items of Gimbel's vast Dickens collection. Reference listing E97-E105a, p.308
CONDITION:
These four hardcover volumes are library bound in dark blue cloth with gilt titles on spine in wonderful condition. Overall, contents are very clean and presented in exceptionally tight bindings. Although these are ex-library copies, its only evidence is a few green stamps "Winnetka Public Library - Withdrawn" found on title page and a few other interior pages. Other than writing in pencil on title page, no other interior marks present. Light speckling of foxing found on some interior pages. No moisture damage visible within any of the volumes. Corners and spine in great shape on all volumes! Volume 6, first story page "Auld Robin Gray" has 2 interior tears and heavy staining. Also, pages 321-322 & 329-332 removed (within "Napoleon Bonaparte"). Overall, you would be very happy in displaying this 4 Vol. set on your shelf. See pictures for great shelf presence!
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