This finely bound volume features The Pickwick Papers, Charles Dickens’s groundbreaking first novel, meticulously preserving all the original first appearances of each serialized issue together in one elegant presentation. Illustrated with 43 plates throughout and in fine condition, this exceptional volume offers a rare opportunity to own a definitive piece of literary history.
Originally published in monthly installments, The Pickwick Papers catapulted Dickens from an obscure journalist to England’s most celebrated author virtually overnight. The first installment, released in April 1836 in an edition of just 1,000 copies, garnered modest attention. However, the introduction of the beloved character Sam Weller in chapter 10, released as part of the fourth installment in July 1836, transformed the series into a publishing phenomenon. Demand surged, prompting the publishers to reprint earlier installments to satisfy the growing audience.
By the time the work was issued in book form in November 1837, numerous textual corrections had been made. Collectors often grapple with the intricate and varied textual points tied to the original parts, as a “perfect” set with all such points is effectively unattainable in the book format. The serialization was initially conceived as a showcase for the illustrations of Robert Seymour, whose tragic death by suicide after the first issue necessitated a swift replacement. Robert William Buss briefly assumed the role but proved unsuited to steel engraving. The position eventually fell to Hablot Knight Browne (“Phiz”), who became Dickens’s principal collaborator for the next twenty years, cementing an enduring creative partnership.
Elegantly bound in octavo format (210 x 122 mm), this volume not only preserves Dickens’s literary debut but also features stunning original illustrations that bring the story to life. A fine copy, it serves as both a testament to the serialized origins of Dickens’s genius and a remarkable collector’s piece.
