Our Mutual Friend - Charles Dickens 1865 FIRST EDITION FIRST IMPRESSION Stunning

Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens with illustrations by Marcus Stone, published by Chapman and Hall in 1865. FIRST EDITION FIRST IMPRESSION.

Two volumes bound into one half calf binding with handsome morocco labels and marbled page edges. With 'pricipal' for 'principal' p.115 volume two misspelling as required for the first edition [Smith 1.1].

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Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens, first published in 1865, tells the story of John Harmon, who is set to inherit his father's wealth, but mysteriously disappears before he can claim it. The novel follows a cast of characters including the Boffins, a wealthy couple who inherit Harmon's fortune, and the Lammles, a pair of con artists trying to climb the social ladder. Alongside the central mystery of Harmon's disappearance, the novel explores themes of social class, greed, and the corrupting influence of money. Our Mutual Friend is widely regarded as one of Dickens' most complex and mature works, featuring his signature vivid characterisations and sharply observed social commentary.

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Condition: Near Fine (NF)

The key highlight of this copy is the general lack of oxidisation to the plates which commonly affects the plates in Dickens publications. Aside from some foxing to preliminaries, to include the verso page from the engraved title page, the text block is free from foxing. The plates are exceptionally clean with some affected by soiling with approximately half near fine/fine with extremely mild toning. Collated as complete, including both half titles which are uncommon when both volumes are bound together. There is minor wear to corners with some minor scuffs to boards. Page edges VG. Some rubbing to spine with minor discolouration to first compartment. Tooled morocco labels show well. No bookplates or ownership inscriptions. Old bookseller pencil inscription to front free endpaper else without writing throughout.