THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD
First edition in book form of one of the classic coming-of-age tales, an intimate literary self-portrait.
Very good.
Price: $1,400.00
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD
"Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show."
DAVID COPPERFIELD demonstrates Charles Dickens's mastery of literary multitasking: autobiography and timely satire are deftly woven through the story of one man's personal tragedies and triumphs as he elevates his social status. Often ranked "as the finest of his writings" by Dickens lovers (Eckel, 77), COPPERFIELD's initial sales were comparably low, contributing to the title's relative scarcity. First published serially like most of Dickens's novels, this is the scarce first book appearance. Possibly a made-up copy, with some unevenness to the gatherings and all but one point correct for a first issue ("screamed" for "screwed" on p. 132, which Smith says is only found "in early copies"). A handsome copy.
Read more: John B. Podeschi, Dickens and Dickensiana, A122; Smith, Charles Dickens in the Original Cloth, I.9 (pp. 76-8).
The Object
London: Bradbury & Evans, 1850. Octavo, 8.5'' x 5.25''. 20th-century half blue calf, marbled paper boards, raised bands, gilt- and blind-stamped spine, brown spine label. Marbled edges and endpapers. Illustrated by Phiz with engraved frontispiece, pictorial title page and 38 full-page plates (40 total). xvi, 624 pages. Ink gift inscription dated 1904 to early blank; prior owner letter and envelope dated 1883 laid in. Touch of sunning to spine, soil to top edge. Plates foxed, with infrequent lighter foxing to text. Firm and bright.
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