Dickens, Sketches by Boz, 1839, first one volume edition, presentation copy inscribed to Upcot

DICKENS, CHARLES

Sketches by Boz Illustrative of Every-day Life and Every-day People. London: Chapman and Hall, 1839

8vo (212 x 129mm.), FIRST OCTAVO ONE VOLUME EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO WILLIAM UPCOTT (William Upcott Esquire | from | Charles Dickens | Twentythird November 1841), half-title, etched frontispiece, pictorial title-page and 38 plates by George Cruikshank, those before p.120 without publisher's imprint, advertisement leaf dated May 15, 1839, red morroco gilt by Riviere and Son, all edges gilt, collector's chemise and red morocco-backed folding case, etched title creased at top corner, B8 creased and chipped along fore-edge, a few other leaves lightly spotted  

William Upcott (1779-1845) was a distinguished, author, antiquary and Librarian of the London Institution. Charles Dickens records meeting Upcott in January 1840. Shorty after Upcott's death, his library was sold at Replica Shoes 's in 1846 and realised over £4000.

REFERENCE:

Eckel, pp.14-15

PROVENANCE:

William Upcott, presentation inscription