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South East Asian Art and Antiques, & Antiquarian, Rare and Collectable books
South East Asian Art and Antiques, & Antiquarian, Rare and Collectable books
Charles Dickens; The Personal History of David Copperfield, Bradbury & Evans. First book edition, 1850.

Charles Dickens; The Personal History of David Copperfield, Bradbury & Evans. First book edition, 1850.

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SKU LAN8340

The Personal History of David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens. Illustrations by H.K. Browne.

Published by Bradbury & Evans, London, 1850. First book edition. First edition of "the most perfect of all the Dickens novels" (Virginia Woolf).

David Copperfield was first published in 19 monthly installments, each comprising 32 pages of text and two illustrations by Hablot K. "Phiz" Browne. It was issued between 1849-1850, with the first compiled book edition published in 1850, as per this true first edition.

With the following first issue points: 1850 date to title vignette, chapter XXVII is at page 282 rather than 283 as listed to the contents, the final 'i' to page viii is misaligned, 'recal' instead of 'recall' on first line of p.16, misspelling of 'coroboration' to page 387, six lines from the bottom, and includes six lines of errata. However, 'screamed' has been corrected to 'screwed' at page 132 line 20 (as is generally the case).

A handsome copy in a later near fine full calf leather binding with title label and gilt to spine. Just minor rubbing. Marble endpapers with no cracking. Opening engravings spread with some stain marks and age toning. Binding is sound and secure.

Text pages are very good. Text is bright and clean with very few flaws. Top corner of p.341 is missing (3cm x 2.5cm curved tear), and brought back to shape with page repair tape. Contents pages have some ink transfer from text to opposing page, but as issued. All plates are present as called for (checked and confirmed), and have some minor foxing and mild stain marks. The plates are generally cleaner than most Dickens first editions. It all adds up to an attractive Dickens first edition which will look splendid on any library shelf.

Text in English.

Frontispiece + engraved title page + half title + xiv + 1pp + 624pp + 38 additional Plates (all as called for - 40 in total (including the engraved title page spread)). 

Weight approximately 1032g (unpacked).

Dimensions: Approximately 219mm high x 143mm wide x 50mm deep.