A Complete Set of the Nine Extra Christmas Numbers of ALL THE YEAR ROUND

1859. London: Office of All The Year Round / Chapman & Hall, 1859-1867. [In nine volumes.] Original self-wrappers (first four) and blue printed wrappers (last five) -- as issued.

First Editions of all nine "Extra Christmas Numbers" of this periodical that Charles Dickens founded, and edited for its nine years of existence. (Previously he had likewise founded Household Words, which likewise lasted nine years -- and which has nine Extra Christmas Numbers as well.) In addition to editing these tales, Dickens also wrote a portion of them -- specifically (per Eckel): Christmas 1859: THE HAUNTED HOUSE. Dickens wrote "The Mortals in the House," "The Ghost in Master B's Room," and "The Ghost in the Corner Room," as well as most of the other opening paragraphs. Christmas 1860: A MESSAGE FROM THE SEA. Dickens wrote Chapters I, II and V, plus passages in the others; the rest is by Wilkie Collins. Christmas 1861: TOM TIDDLER'S GROUND. Dickens wrote Chapters I, VI and VII. Christmas 1862: SOMEBODY'S LUGGAGE. Dickens wrote "His Leaving It Til Called For," "His Boots," "His Brown-Paper Parcel," "His Wonderful End" plus part of "His Umbrella." Christmas 1863: MRS. LIRRIPER'S LODGINGS. Dickens wrote Chapters I and VII. Christmas 1864: MRS. LIRRIPER'S LEGACY. Dickens again wrote Chapters I and VII. Christmas 1865: DR. MARIGOLD'S PRESCRIPTIONS. Dickens wrote Chapters I, VI and VIII. Christmas 1866: MUGBY JUNCTION. Dickens wrote "Barbox Brothers," "Barbox Brothers and Co.," "Main Line" and "No. 1 Branch Line." Christmas 1867: NO THOROUGHFARE. Dickens wrote the Overture, Act III, plus parts of Act I and Act IV; Wilkie Collins wrote the rest. As for condition, all nine issues are near-fine (the self-wrappers of the first four have some minor expert restoration; the latter five's blue wrappers are just about fine except for some small ink-drops on the fifth; the leaves of the 1864 and 1867 issues are unopened). It is very tough to assemble all nine of these in this condition. Podeschi (Yale) E11 + E13-E20. Housed in a handsome (though lightly scuffed) full-morocco case with inner chemise.