The Adventures of Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens (Chapman and Hall, 'Charles Dickens Edition', 1865)

This Chapman and Hall 'Charles Dickens Edition' (1865) is of interest to collectors of Charles Dickens, Victorian fiction, George Cruikshank illustrations, and nineteenth century half-leather bindings.

About: A good copy in a period half black morocco binding with raised bands, gilt floral tools to spine compartments, and red morocco title label; marbled boards in a rich red, ochre, navy and green pattern. Binding shows heavy wear consistent with age: spine leather scuffed and faded with partial gilt surviving; marbled boards worn and lifting at corners; morocco corners worn through. Interior in good condition for age: paper cream and bright throughout; Cruikshank frontispiece engraving clean with a sharp, well-inked impression; text block sound and tight; marbled endpapers present and vivid. A copy whose interior quality significantly exceeds its exterior presentation.

Details:

• Title: The Adventures of Oliver Twist
• Author: Charles Dickens
• Publisher: Chapman and Hall, 193, Piccadilly, London
• Publication Date: 1865
• Edition: 'Charles Dickens Edition' - the last revised edition overseen by Dickens in his lifetime
• Binding: Period half black morocco, raised bands, gilt spine tools, red title label; marbled boards
• Illustrator: George Cruikshank (frontispiece)
• Condition: Good

Synopsis: Chapman and Hall 'Charles Dickens Edition' of 1865 — the last edition revised by Dickens himself — with Cruikshank frontispiece in a sharp, clean impression; period half morocco binding with marbled boards; interior cream and bright throughout.

Review: Oliver Twist (first published in Bentley's Miscellany, 1837–8; first book edition 1838) was Dickens’ second novel and his first to feature a child protagonist. The 1865 Chapman & Hall 'Charles Dickens Edition' is bibliographically significant as the last edition of the novel to be revised and approved by Dickens during his lifetime, incorporating his final textual corrections and a new preface. The frontispiece by George Cruikshank — Dickens’ original illustrator and a celebrated artist in his own right — is among the most iconic images in Victorian fiction.