Dickens, Oliver Twist, 1838, first edition, second issue

DICKENS, CHARLES

Oliver Twist. London: Richard Bentley, 1838

8vo (200 x 120mm.), FIRST EDITION, 3 volumes, etched frontispieces and 21 other plates by George Cruikshank, second issue with ‘Church’ plate in volume 3, half-titles to volumes 1 and 2 only (as called for), cancel title-pages in later state (“by Charles Dickens”), volume 3 in first state (“pilaster” twice on page 164), 4pp. publisher’s advertisements at end of volume 1, 2pp. publisher’s advertisements at beginning of volume 3, original publisher’s reddish brown fine-diaper cloth, upper and lower covers with arabesque design in blind, lettered in gilt on spine (with imprint), light yellow endpapers, some spotting and browning especially to plates, bindings faded on spine with extremities bumped, new front endpapers to volumes 1 and 3

The later issue of the first edition with the "church" plate, imprint present on the spines and "Charles Dickens" noted on the title-page. Smith notes that the plate and title-page "were changed between November 9 and 16".

REFERENCE:

Smith I:4; Eckel pp. 59-62; Sadleir 696; Carter Binding Variants pp. 107-108

PROVENANCE:

J. and N. Fountaine , ownership signature dated 1 December 1838 in volume 2 only