By the Author of The "Life of Thackeray" [HOTTEN, John Camden, with H.T. Taverner]. CHARLES DICKENS / THE STORY OF HIS LIFE. Nicely bound in two leathers, with marbled edges and endpapers. Illustrated by facsimiles and b&w engravings. Published by John Camden Hotten, London. ND (1870). 1st edition, hb, small 8vo, pp. [xvi] 367.
Dickens died in June, 1870. Although
no precise date of publication of this book is shown, the "Preliminary"
(i.e., Preface) is dated June 29th, 1870, barely three weeks after Dickens
passed away. There is some argument as to whether this book, or the "Sketch"
by the novelist and essayist George Augustus Sala, was first, but what
is clear is that this title was the first posthumous biographical book
about the famous author. Divided
into thirty chapters, with an extensive appendix, the book is, at times,
more bibliographical, than biographical, as it concentrates mainly on the
publication of Dickens' most famous works (as befits, one supposes, a biography
written by an English publisher), as well as on Dickens' first and second
visits to America. The Appendix contains many "anecdotes
and remembrances" of Dickens' character,
work habits, private life etc. With errata slip tipped-in and numerous
full-page illustrations and vignettes. Three-quarter bound in violet pebble
morocco over hard grained blue morocco. Attractive gilt embellishments
to spine. The binding is by Townsend. The spine is lightly rubbed, with
a trace of rubbing to the corners of the boards, and one small internal
abrasion to the bottom rolled edge of the rear board. Else, hinges and
joints tight; contents very clean. Overall, in very good condition.
Price: $350 US /$525 Cdn
#27960
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