Signed book: Sketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-day Life and Every-day People. First single-volume octavo edition ("New Edition, Complete"). London: Chapman and Hall, 1839. Hardcover bound in red morroco gilt by Riviere and Son, with all edges gilt, 5.75 x 8.5, 526 pages. Signed and inscribed on the title page in bold ink to a noted English librarian and antiquary, "William Upcott Esquire, from Charles Dickens, Twenty Third November 1841." The volume features a half-title, etched frontispiece, pictorial title-page and 38 plates by George Cruikshank (those before p.120 without publisher's imprint), and advertisement leaf dated May 15, 1839. Autographic condition: fine, with some light soiling to the signed page. Book condition: VG+/None, with a chip to the upper corner of the etched title page. Housed in a handsome custom-made collector's chemise and red morocco-backed clamshell case.
William Upcott (1779-1845) was a distinguished, author, antiquary and Librarian of the London Institution, renowned for his collection of books, manuscripts, letters, prints, and drawings. Charles Dickens reportedly first visited Upcott in 1830, writing in his guestbook: 'January 4th, 1830, 102 Upper Street, Islington. Being the date of my first visit to this most extraordinary antiquarian mansion whereto I mean to return at the earliest possible opportunity to refresh myself with a few dusty draughts from its exhaustless well.'
Sketches by Boz, a collection of short pieces that had been published by Charles Dickens in various periodicals between 1833 and 1836, marked the great author's debut in book form. These sketches, depicting various aspects of London life with wit, humor, and empathy, showcase Dickens' knack for storytelling and his deep understanding of human nature. The popularity of Dickens's writings was enhanced by the illustrations of George Cruikshank, with whom he would frequently collaborate throughout his literary career.
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