1845-1848 The Chimes; The Cricket on the Hearth; The Battle of Life; The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain

Description

First Edition, Illustrated, Publishers' Original Binding

In the 1840s, Charles Dickens published five short festive works, termed his 'Christmas Books', which are known for blending moral instruction with sentimentality.

The 1845 first edition, second state of 'The Chimes'. With publisher's name centred and in open letters to foot of engraved title page, beneath names of engraver and artist. Smith, page 35.

Illustrated with engraved frontispiece and title page, and further vignette illustrations throughout from a variety of artists. Collated, complete.

The 1846 first edition, second state of 'The Cricket on the Hearth', identified via the advertisement leaf to the rear. Smith, page 41.

Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece and title page, and with further vignette illustrations. Collated, complete.

The 1846 first edition, fourth state of 'The Battle of Life', identified via absence of imprint to engraved title page, Smith, page 64.

Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece and title page, and further vignette illustrations. Collated, complete.

Advertisement leaf to rear.

The 1848 first edition, first state of 'The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain', Smith page 68.

Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece and title page, and further vignette illustrations. Collated, complete.

With the inscription of C. J. Partridge to the front free endpaper of 'Cricket', and the bookplate of George Fleming to front pastedown of 'Battle'.

'Battle' and 'Haunted Man' rebacked, with back strip restored and boards laid down, and retaining the original endpapers.