Master Humphrey's Clock

London: Chapman and Hall, 1840-1841 . First edition. Leather. Very Good. 10.5" by 7". George Cattermole; Hablot Knight Browne [Phiz]. Illustrated throughout by Phiz and Cattermole, this is the first edition in book form of Dickens's 'Master Humphrey's Clock', with three volumes bound in two. Lacking seventy-eight text pages. The three volume first edition in book form of Charles Dickens' periodical 'Master Humphrey's Clock', illustrated throughout by Cattermole and Phiz. With three volumes bound in two.Lacking all original blanks, and without dedication to Samuel Rogers, Esq. Lacking the final seventy-eight pages of volume II; this volume ends here on page 228, where the volume should conclude at page 306.The first edition in book form, previously published in weekly parts as a periodical. The work begins with a frame narrative in which Master Humphrey and his friends share stories, marking the first appearance of 'Barnaby Rudge', and 'The Old Curiosity Shop'.Illustrated throughout by George Cattermole and Hablot Knight Browne, better known as Phiz. With a frontispiece to each volume, and numerous vignette illustrations throughout.Extra-illustrated, with eight plates by Hablot Knight Browne depicting characters from the work: one plate to volume I, three plates to volume II, and four plates to volume III.With the bookplate of Lord Esme S. Gordon to the front pastedown of each volume. In half calf bindings, with marbled paper covered boards. Externally, very smart, with light rubbing to back strips. Joints starting, with boards holding firm. Bookplate to front pastedowns. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and generally clean, and a touch age toned to perimeters. Lacking the final seventy-eight pages of volume II. Very Good