First edition of the very rare ten monthly parts issue. Octavo. [1]2-311[312],[i-v]vi-vii[viii-ix]x-xii pp. The twenty-four plates are those used for the original Bentley magazine issue, re-touched, re-bitten, and “enhanced” by the engraver Findlay, and with the Bentley imprints erased. Cruikshank also designed the front wrapper for the parts issue, with very attractive, well-balanced, and appealing results

The set at hand collates complete with all the plates, text and advertisements according to Hatton & Cleaver's description pp. 215-224. All wrappers correct and complete as well. Some of the parts professionally rebacked, or with other small neat repairs. Part VII front wrapper has been extended in bottom margin, but still a bit short. Front wrapper of part V and back wrapper of part VII trimmed a bit short on bottom margin. Back wrapper of part X slightly soiled. The usual rubbing and foxing to parts. One of the most difficult works of Dickens to find in parts. Period ownership inscription on the front wrapper of parts IV, VI and VIII. Still a handsome set. Housed in a blue quarter morocco slipcase and chemise.

“...[S]ets of the ten parts can, without exaggeration, be described as of the utmost rarity, whether in fine, moderate, or poor condition, and only exceeded by the 'high-spots' of Pickwick and the Sketches. As recently as 1931, it would have been an impossibility to purchase any kind of conditioned copy in the London book-market; for the simple reason that none were [sic] on offer or could be offered. The very scarcity alone, of the book in parts, gives added zest to the tracking down of copies, but many would-be owners are doomed to disappointment in their efforts to effect a capture, in face of the very limited supply available.”

Hatton and Cleaver, pp. 215-224.

HBS # 65570 $30,000