Description
The posthumous papers of the Pickwick Club... edited by "Boz". Philadelphia: Carey, Lea & Blanchard, 1836-1837. First American edition and first edition in book form, 8vo, 5 volumes first issue volume I with no mention of 'part first' on title or spine label, with printer's imprint 'Dickinson & Ward' on verso of title, 2pp. advertisements at front listing only "Watkins Tottle", with 8pp. and 4pp. advertisements at end with additional advertisement on last leaf text, second issue volume II with 'Sporting' complete on line 6 of title, and part II on title and spine label, volumes 3-5 with advertisements (3: 4pp. at front and 4pp. at end; 4: 4pp. at front; 5: 4pp. at front and 14pp. at end), original cloth-backed boards, folder and slipcase, volume I and III spotted, some signatures browned in remaining volumes , volume IV ?with new rear endpapers, spine labels chipped and worn, boards mottled, corners rubbed (5)
Footnote
Provenance: A. Krumbhaar, booklabel; Dorchester Atheneum, booklabel; Jean Hersholt, bookplate.
Note: Gimbel A19; McGuire 4. This rare American edition preceded the english book edition by several months. The volumes were issued between November 1836 and December 1837. After the initial publication of volume I the volumes were issued simultaneously with the parts in England. Only about 1500 copies of the first volume were issued and this is now hard to find in the first issue state. As Dickens' popularity grew, so the print run for subsequent parts increased and volumes I and II were reissued.