Oliver Twist; or, the Parish Boy's Progress.

London: Richard Bentley, 1838 Three volumes. Illustrated with twenty-four steel-engraved plates by George Cruikshank. First edition, mixed issue, with many first issue points to the text, early "Boz" on the title pages, and the later "Church" plate in Volume III. Lacking half-titles and advertisements. Finely bound in late 19th century half black morocco, marbled paper-covered boards, five raised bands to spines, lettered, decorated and ruled in gilt, and marbled endpapers. Near fine, with some mild flaking to spine ends and joints, some corners lightly bumped, light rubbing to boards, and some very light soiling and spotting internally. Overall, a beautiful, tight and square set of one of Dickens' most beloved works. Housed in a navy slipcase. Smith I, 4. Published shortly after the enactment of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which mandated that state poor relief would only be given to workhouse residents, Oliver Twist served as a vehicle for Dickens' criticism of the effects of poverty left unabated. Specifically, this social novel tells the story of poor, orphaned Oliver Twist who is drawn into the dark worlds of child labor, petty crime, and life in the London slums. The book features some of Dickens' most colorful characters, including Fagin, the Artful Dodger, Bill Sykes, and Nancy. The book has received many film adaptations over the years, including David Lean's classic 1948 version starring John Davies as Twist and Alec Guinness as Fagin, and the 1968 musical film Oliver!, which won six Academy Awards and was itself adapted from the same-titled 1960 Tony Award-winning musical. . First Edition. Hard Cover. Near Fine.