DICKENS, CHARLES

Oliver Twist; Or, The Parish Boy's Progress by "Boz"

London: Richard Bentley, 1838. First Edition; three volumes; first issue; with “Boz” on the title pages and with the “fireside” plate in volume three. Publisher’s cloth; variant state binding with “London/ Bentley” at the foot of the spines (according to Smith, not a point of any significance); some cloth fading, minor wear, mending and spotting; slight ink marks on one title page; a very clean set with only occasional spots and foxing; in a custom quarter morocco slipcase with chemises. The "fireside" plate was one of several illustrations by Cruikshank that were rushed to complete the book. Reviewing the plates before publication, Dickens objected to this illustration and ordered a new one prepared. Early copies have this original plate, as well as "Boz" on the title page, which also displeased the author. The book was published on November 9, 1838, and changes were made in copies prepared between the 9th and the 16th. Adapted over and over into various forms, the most notable of which might have been the 1948 David Lean film with a brilliant, but controversial performance by Alex Guinness as Fagin, but also a successful 1960 musical by the unfortunate Lionel Bart. All books described as first editions are first printings unless otherwise noted.

[Book #1972]

Price: $10,000.00