The LIFE And ADVENTURES Of NICHOLAS NICKLEBY by Dickens, Charles [1812 - 1870] - 1839

London: Chapman and Hall, 1839. 1st book edition (first state of frontis & later state of the first four plates. Cf. Smith I, 5). Later full tan polished calf binding, by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, with title gilt tooled to maroon leather label in second compartment, author to dark brown leather label in 3rd compartment, 5 raised bands with gilt tooling in other compartments. TEG. Marbled eps. Original green cloth covers bound-in at rear. Custom slipcase. Binding shows a touch of light wear at the extremities. Plates wonderfully clean, with little-to-no browning & just the odd spot of foxing. A Nr Fine copy.. xvi, 624 pp. Frontis & 39 plates by Hablot K. Browne (Phiz). 8vo. 9" x 5-1/2"

The book that helped lead the reform of the English boarding schools.