Our Mutual Friend

London: Chapman and Hall, 1865. First edition. Leather. Near Fine. 8.5" by 5.5". Marcus Stone. The first edition, first impression, in book form of Charles Dickens' final novel, illustrated throughout by Marcus Stone. The first edition of this work is book form. The first issue, with the three page postscript to the rear of Volume II, and with 'Pricipal' for 'Principal' to Volume II page 115, 14 lines up from the bottom. Issue points as stated by John C. Eckel in his 1913 publication 'The First Editions of the Writings of Charles Dickens'. 'Our Mutual Friend' was the last novel Charles Dickens completed before his death in 1870. It is a satire on society, the plot following a young man who recently came into a fortune after his father dies, who's body is then found in the Thames. The money then goes to the naive employees of the late father.Volume I illustrated with a frontispiece, and nineteen plates.Volume II illustrated with a frontispiece, and nineteen platesDickens is one of the most popular authors of the Victorian age. His novels show the grimy side of poverty and prosperity in Victorian England, showing poor social conditions alongside repulsive characters.Illustrated by Marcus Stone, an English painter, who was an Associate of the Royal Academy.Bound without half-titles, the slip bound before page 1 of Volume 1, and the publisher's adverts to the rear of Volume II. In a half calf binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, smart. Small chip to the spine label of Volume I. A little rubbing to the boards. Prior owner's ink inscription to the verso to the front endpapers. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned and generally clean with some spots. Near Fine