A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens 1843, First Year; 3rd Edition Chapman & Hall

Description: I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to all the world. Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!Here we offer an extremely scarce first year, stated third edition, of A Christmas Carol In Prose. Being a Story of Christmas, by Charles Dickens and published by Chapman and Hall, in 1843. As "edition" meant "print run" to 19th century Brits, this is actually what we would refer to as first edition, 3rd printing (of about a thousand copies each.) This is a very interesting, collectible copy, not just because it is so early. Though it would not be unusual in a different title, this copy has 7 of 8 engraved woodcut plates hand-colored, something I have never seen or heard of before (and I have been collecting Christmas Carol firsts for 30 years.) There should only be four hand-colored plates. It is also finely-bound and stamp-signed by 19th Century British binder, "Root and Son," binders who did add coloring in some bindings I've seen. The 3/4 leather over marbled boards binding features marbled endpages and a gilted text block all the way around (to keep dust out.) This copy retains the first edition signature marks (ie: "B" at the foot of the first page of text and "C" at the foot of p. 17,) and bears a red and black-inked title page, in addition to a red placeholding ribbon--not a normal part of the book's binding.The leather hinges have wear, but are supple and very secure. Head of spine leather is worn. (Please see pics.) Binding is very tight and square; text and illustration plates are very clean, bright and crisp. 166 pages, plus two pages of ads; measures approximately 6.75 x 4.25-inches.This very special iconic treasure in marvelous condition will make an exciting centerpiece to your rare books collection or a very thoughtful and generous gift. Please click HERE to see the other Dickens classics we offer! Please click HERE to see our other special Christmas-themed offerings! ** Have you seen all the amazing first and rare editions of iconic books we offer? We gladly combine shipping and refund the shipping overpayment, so please check out our other items! -- other auctions of classic antiquarian literature and special gifts!** Thank you for your interest! ***Priority shipping options are available at checkout!***

Price: 4999.95 USD

Location: Bronx, New York

End Time: 2025-01-29T01:41:13.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD