The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens. With Illustrations by John Leech, Richard Doyle, et al. London; Bradbury and Evans; MDCCCXLVI (1846).
FIRST EDITION of one of Dickens' most famous Christmas Books in the original publisher's cloth. A beautiful copy with the advertisement for Oliver Twist in the second state.
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Edition Points: (as mentioned in Smith II.)
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pp.iv, lacking comma after "Evans" in some copies only.
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pp.10, line 7, "your's". (present)
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pp.79, line 5, there is a space in the word lucky following the l, thus reading "l ucky".
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pp.82, line 11, there is a single quote before the word "Halloa", except for one copy. (present)
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pp.98, 3 lines up, "faultered". (present)
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pp.105, line 3, the i in "in" is large and bold. (present)
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pp.121, line 12, "controul". (present)
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pp.133, line 3, "stedfast". (present)
First vs. Second State Advertisement:
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The Advertisement for Oliver Twist in the first state has two lines of italic text, while the second state has three lines of italic text. This copy has the second state advertisement.
Condition:
[(1), h.t., frontis, t.p., t.p., 4pp, 174pp, 2pp, (1)]
Original publisher's red cloth binding, a little dulled and discoloured, but generally very good and presentable. Joints rubbed but with both boards securely attached, the binding secure, and without shelf lean, slightly cocked as typical. All edges gilt, dulled but generally very good. No attached bookplate, ownership inscription of John Shelley to the ffep verso. Text block mildly toned throughout around edges, as often. Main title page also toned, else internally very clean throughout. A lovely copy.
[Smith II., 6].
