[Dickens, Charles]. WORKS OF CHARLES DICKENS. Library Edition. 30 Vols. Lon: Chapman and Hall, 1861-1863, (nd). Carr, VanderPoel Dickens Collection, B671. Vol I's series title sand inscribed “To Jas Blair… R.N./ This set of my books./ Charles Dickens/ The New Year, 1863.” Inscription in blue ink. Front covers gilt-stamped “J. B. G.” Placed in Vol I is a typed letter on Charles E. Lauriat Co. letterhead: “Mrs. Charles Plaff, Manchester, Mass… The set was selected by Mr. Charles Dickens as the best edition, bound to his order and presented to his friend some twenty-five years ago. He made a very nice inscription… Owing to the death of the gentleman to whom it was presented, and nearly all his family, the copy was secured by a party in London who treasured it very highly. It was only after some persuasion that he was induced to part with it; but Mr. Lauriat desired to add this set, with its unusual associations, to his collection of choice and valuable books which he selected while abroad this summer on his sixteenth annual trip among the old Book Shops of London and Paris. You may feel that you have the only ‘presentation set’ of the works of Charles Dickens with his autograph in any Library in the country… It was only opened from the case the night before you came to the store, when Mr. Piper showed you the set… I would add that Mr. Piper is a connoisseur in old and rare books, probably more so than any bookseller in America. He has just passed his fortieth year in the business of an association with rare and choice editions… [signed] C. E. Lauriat.” Letter 4to, volumes 8vo. 8vo. Dark navy blue full morocco by the Charles E. Lauriat Company’s bindery. Aeg, marbled eps, gilt dentelle. Front pastedowns carry printed bookplate of Charles Plaff.

Bindings very good to near fine, moderate soiling to exteriors of some vols (most noticeably Little Dorrit, Vol II). Charles E. Lauriat’s bindery may have discarded some preliminary material from some vols. All volumes include series title, volume title, and illustrations list. 2 volumes lack table of contents (IX and XXIV). All volumes where the illustrations list calls for a frontis have a frontis. An engraved title is present in 3 volumes; 9 vols have a preface, and 2 have a dedication. Plates foxed with occasional dampstaining. Letter very good with slight foxing, in original envelope.