"PLEASE, SIR, I WANT SOME MORE": FIRST ISSUE OF OLIVER TWIST

DICKENS, Charles. Oliver Twist; Or, the Parish Boy's Progress. By "Boz." London: Richard Bentley, 1838. Three volumes. Octavo, contemporary full tan calf, raised bands, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, blue and brown morocco spine labels, marbled endpapers and edges. $9500.

First edition, first issue, of Dickens' classic, with the "Fireside" plate and "Boz" title pages, in handsome contemporary calf-gilt.

"Oliver Twist was originally conceived as a satire on the new poor law of 1834 which herded the destitute and the helpless into harshly run union workhouses, and which was perceived by Dickens as a monstrously unjust and inhumane piece of legislation (he was still fiercely attacking it in Our Mutual Friend in 1865). Once the scene shifted to London, however, Oliver Twist developed into a unique and compelling blend of a 'realistic' tale about thieves and prostitutes and a melodrama with strong metaphysical overtones. The pathos of little Oliver (the first of many such child figures in Dickens), the farcical comedy of the Bumbles, the sinister fascination of Fagin, the horror of Nancy's murder, and the powerful evocation of London's dark and labyrinthine criminal underworld, all helped to drive Dickens' popularity to new heights" (ODNB).

"When Bentley decided to publish Oliver in book form before its completion in his periodical, Cruikshank had to complete the last few plates in haste. Dickens did not review them until the eve of publication and objected to the Fireside plate which depicted Oliver at Rose Maylie's knee [Volume III, p. 313]… Dickens had Cruikshank design a new plate… This Church plate was not completed in time for incorporation into the early copies of the book, but it replaced the Fireside plate in later copies… Dickens not only objected to the Fireside plate, but also disliked having 'Boz' on the title page. He voiced these objections prior to publication and the plate and title page were changed between November 9 and 16" (Smith, 35). Bound without half titles for Volumes I and II and publisher's ads at the end of Volume I and the beginning of Volume III. Without list of plates in Volume I, no priority. One plate ("Mr. Claypole as he appeared when his master was out") misbound, opposite page 72 in Volume I rather than page 130 in Volume II. Smith 4 (especially note 3). Eckel, 51-60. Bookplates.

Usual foxing to plates and text. Beautifully bound.