DICKENS, CHARLES | Our Mutual Friend. London: Chapman and Hall, May 1864 - November 1865

DICKENS, CHARLES 

Our Mutual Friend. London: Chapman and Hall, May 1864 - November 1865

20 parts in 19, 8vo (8 3/4 x 5 1/2 in.; 222 x 141 mm). 40 wood-engravings by Marcus Stone, part 1 with complete ads, both plates present but immediately proceed title page instead of “Bird of Prey” to face title of part 1, and “Witnessing the Agreement” facing p. 30, part 2 with "Norton’s Camomile Pills" ad printed an additional 2 times, part 7 with additional slip, “Bookbinding in all its Branches at Seton and Mackenzie’s”, part 12 with pp. 9 – 12 and 13-16 uncut, part 14 with additional ad for “Mappin, Webb, & Co,” lacking the 4pp. "Economic Life Assurance Society," part 15 lacking 2pp. of the 4pp. “Opinions of the Press,” part 18 lacking the 2pp. “Mappin, Webb & Co.”, part 19/20 lacking the 4pp. "Economic Life Assurance Society", but with additional “Mappin, Webb & Co.” advertisement on yellow paper; some toning and foxing, closed marginal tears. Original green pictorial wrappers, some with booksellers' tickets adhered; foxing and soiling, some creasing and tears with loss, some loss to spines. In customs green clamshell case. 

First edition, in original monthly parts, of Dickens' final complete novel

“'No one is useless in this world,' retorted the Secretary, 'who lightens the burden of it for any one else'.”

With its two love stories at its center, complex plotting, and scathing social satire, Our Mutual Friend is now regarded as one of Dickens' most sophisticated works. While writing it, the author was deeply shaken by the experience of being involved in a serious railway accident when travelling back from France with Nelly Ternan and her mother. Ten people died, and Dickens administered to the injured and dying in the hours afterwards.

LITERATURE:

Hatton and Cleaver 45-370