Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #114 begins on 11 Apr 2024

Charles Dickens

David Copperfield

Published: Chapman and Hall, London, 1850

Edition: First bound edition

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Following the serial publication of David Copperfield in parts May 1849 - Nov. 1850, the novel was first published in book form on November 14, 1850. David Copperfield is essentially a biography of the eponymous hero, and is the first book Dickens wrote in the first person. Although on issue, the book sold 'only' 25,000 copies, it later became one of Dicken's most famous, and loved works. bringing characters like Mr Micawber into popular culture.

This book is the first edition in book form, it is re-covered with marbled board, with leather corners and spine, and marbled interior end papers. Some wear on covers, particularly on edges, and on edge of spine. Bottom corners of the board covers have been bumped, but not seriously damaged.  The blank page inside the marbled papers is precariously attached, but there is no damage to the binding. An engraved frontispiece, title page shows some darkening around the edges, but this is not apparent in thirty-eight engraved plates by Hablot K.Browne ("Phiz"). On plate is loose between pages 148-149

There is an errata on page xvi listing 5 errors on page  74,76 and 102: for 'bo' read 'bor'; and on page 558: for 'Norwich' read 'Ipswich'. This suggests it is an early, but not a first state copy.    A good copy.

The current seller (circa 70 years old) inherited this book from his father, who in turn inherited it from his father.  It may have been in his family earlier than that. 

  • Binding Condition: Good
  • Overall Condition: Good, see description
  • Size: 22 x 15 x 5 cm
  • Sold By: Riverside Books UK
  • Contact Person: Gordon Slaven
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 07776271427
  • Preferred Payment Methods: PayPal, Electronic bank transfer, cheque. other by arrangement.
  • Trade Associations: AA Approved


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