English writer (1812–1870) regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian period, known for such classics as Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities, and Great Expectations. Original 4.25 x 6.5 cabinet photo by J. Gurney & Son of New York, signed on the reverse in blue ink, “Charles Dickens, New York, Twenty First April, 1868.” In very good condition, with scattered soiling to the reverse, slightly affecting the beginning of the signature, silvering to dark areas of the image, a couple small tape remnants to reverse, and a trivial pencil notation to the front lower border. Dickens made his second trip to America in 1867–8 and was quite impressed, after being disappointed during his first visit 25 years earlier. He toured the country and gave public readings along the way, one of which was observed by Mark Twain, who wrote a report on it for the Alta California newspaper. So impressed was Dickens with his reception that when he spoke at the end of his trip, he said he would include an appendix lauding the nation in all of his books published there. Amazingly enough, he left for England out of the port of New York on the same day he signed this photo—April 21, 1868. RR Auction COA.
