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Little Dorrit, Vol. IV by Charles Dickens (1857 Hardcover)
Of the complex, richly rewarding masterworks he wrote in the last decades of his life, Little Dorrit is the book in which Charles Dickens (1812-1870) most fully unleashed his indignation at the fallen state of mid-Victorian society. Crammed with persons and incidents in whose recreation nothing is accidental or spurious, containing, in its picture of the Circumlocution Office, the most witheringly exact satire of a bureaucracy we possess, Little Dorrit is a stunning example of how thoroughly Dickens could put his flair for the theatrical and his comic genius the service of his passion for justice.
Although not as well known today, some, including George Bernard Shaw, have felt that Little Dorrit is Dickens best work. Shaw says that “Little Dorritt is a more seditious book than Das Kapital. All over Europe men and women are in prison for pamphlets and speeches which are to Little Dorrit as red pepper to dynamite."
Little Dorrit was originally published as a monthly serial, December 1855 to June 1857. Published in book form 1856 released 1857. At least 4 publishers released a version in 1857. Tauchnitz was one of these publishers which honored the book's copyright. The Tauchnitz printing was in four volumes, later condensed to two. An Errata sheet bound into this volume IV indicates the 1st edition errors were replicated in this Tauchnitz publication version.
On a title page preceding the title page of this volume IV of this novel, this book is identified as Vol. CCCXC of a Collection of British Authors.
Hablot Knight Browne (1815–1882) was an English artist and illustrator. Well-known by his pen name, Phiz, he illustrated books by Charles Dickens, Charles Lever, and Harrison Ainsworth, including this first edition of "Little Dorrit" in book form. His illustrations are in this volume.
Hardcover has marbled cardboard boards with black cloth corners and spine, but no dust jacket. Spine has been detached and lost, corners and edges worn through. Interior is complete and tightly bound with no tears in gutter, no marks found in text. Prior owner ex-libris pasted to front paste-down, ink stamp of ownership on title-page. Book has been thoroughly read, so has foxing and handling stains on interior.
Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:
Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new”. Booksellers needed some word to describe this...
Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.
Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.
Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” The most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.
Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)
Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).
Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.
1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy.
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