Great Expectations.

£9,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

An attractive set of Great Expectations, the most popular of Dickens' novels, in a contemporary binding. Although the title-pages states 'Second and third editions', in fact the first five editions are really only different impressions of the same edition. Apart from the title-pages the only differences are in the text where the type in the earliest impressions shows fewer signs of wear and damage. The title-pages were altered to encourage sales. Second, second, and third 'editions' [issues]; 3 vols, 8vo (195 x 130 mm); vol. I: title dedication leaves +344 pp., vol. II: title dedication leaves + 351 pp,. vol. III: title and dedication leaves + 344 pp., without publisher's catalogue at rear of vol. III but Smith states that 'some copies of the first five issues did not contain catalogues'; contemporary half calf gilt over marbled boards, morocco labels, light wear to boards, neat repairs to upper hinges, a very good, clean set. See Smith I, 14.

• Binding: Hardcover

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