1844 1st/1st Charles Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit English Lit Satire Illustrated



“If I was a painter, and was to paint the American Eagle, how should I do it?”

– Charles Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewit



This rare first edition, first issue, was believed by Dickens to be his best work, though it was the least popular of his works. Dickens originally released the story in 20 monthly parts; however, upon realizing its failing popularity, he changed the plot to send the title character, Chuzzlewit, to America. Dickens sought to elaborate on his own views of selfishness in America, and, in doing so, created popularity within a lesser-known character.



This first issue meets the expected edition points, found only in the earliest printings of this work. See below.



Item number: #5240

Price: $750



DICKENS, Charles



The life and adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit. With illus. by Phiz.



London: Chapman and Hall, 1844. First edition, first issue.



Details:

Collation: Complete with all pages

xiv, [1], 624

40 steel engraved plates including double frontispiece

References: Eckel, pp. 71-73; Smith I:7; Jupp, Dickens Collection of Books 308; Grolier, Dickens, 125.

First issue points:

Vignette title – ‘100£’ sign

Eckel: “this was not altered until a number of copies had been printed.”

Language: English

Binding: Leather; tight and secure

Size: ~9in X 5.5in (22.5cm x 14cm)

Auction and price comparisons as high as $2,000





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