DICKENS | American Notes, 1842, first edition in book form

DICKENS, CHARLES

American Notes for General Circulation. London: Chapman and Hall, 1842

8vo (194 x 120mm.), 2 volumes, FIRST EDITION IN BOOK FORM, FIRST ISSUE with uncorrected page xvi at Contents volume I, half-titles, without 6pp. advertisements end volume II, nineteenth-century full polished calf gilt by Sotheran, spines decorated and lettered in gilt with inlaid calf labels, marbled endpapers, retaining front free yellow endpaper in each volume, top edge gilt, cloth slipcase, A FINE COPY

A FINE COPY OF THE FIRST EDITION FIRST ISSUE. This was Dickens' first travel book published following his first visit to America in 1842. Notably, he denounced the American institution of slavery and this and his condemnation of America practices, habits and beliefs led to a critical reception in America. The original preface was suppressed because John Forster and other friends advised it would be misunderstood in America. The preface was titled 'Introductory and Necessary to Read' and clarifies Dickens' position, viewpoint and full knowledge as to how his book would likely be received in America. The preface remained unpublished until it appeared in Forster's biography of Dickens in 1872. 

LITERATURE:

Smith II: 3

PROVENANCE:

John Warren, 3rd Baron de Tabley, book labels; W. Warren, ownership inscriptions