MASTER HUMPHREY'S CLOCK.

by DICKENS, Charles (Charles John Huffam), 1812-1870 :

$1,025 · Offered by Biblio

First edition

London : Chapman & Hall, 1840-1841. First edition, in book form, bound from the original parts, of both "The Old Curiosity Shop" and "Barnaby Rudge" . The book was never reprinted in this form, and even unsold copies were cannibalised (within weeks of issue) to make separate books of the two titles we know today. "I am conscious that my pen winces a little even while I write these words. But it was done, and wisely done; and 'Master Humphrey's Clock', as originally constructed, became one of the lost books of the earth, – which, we all know, are far more precious than any that can be read for love or money" (Charles Dickens, in 1848). A specimen wrapper from both the weekly and monthly issue of the parts is preserved at the rear of each volume. Three volumes, bound in two. Royal 8vo (252 x 164mm). [2],iv,306; vi,306; vi,426pp. Frontispieces and illustrations by George Cattermole, Hablot Knight Browne ("Phiz"), etc. Bound in an elegant mid-Victorian half tan polished calf, banded and gilt; marbled sides and edges; very faintly rubbed; a few very minor signs of age and use; rear hinge of the thicker volume with neat internal reinforcement; a very good, crisp and handsome set.

• Publisher: London : Chapman & Hall, 1840-1841.
• Year: 1840
• Edition: First Edition
• Binding: hardcover

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