A Tale of Two Cities
- London: Chapman and Hall, 1859
London: Chapman and Hall, 1859. First edition. Very Good +. Octavo (leaves 212 x 133 mm). First edition, bound from the original monthly parts as published from June to December 1859, with the stab-holes visible; this copy with the earliest state of p. 213 misnumbered "113" and the signature "b" present on the list of plates, as preferred by collectors. Bound by Maclehose, Glasgow, in three-quarter burgundy morocco over marbled boards, marbled end papers, and marbled page edges. Outer joints professionally repaired, a short tear to the printed title page (no loss), with light-moderate foxing, mostly near the plates and a few stains to the leaves (80-81 and 98-99). Engraved frontispiece, vignette title and 14 plates by H. K. Browne (Phiz); despite the flaws a handsome copy overall.
Dickens's great historical romance, set during the French Revolution, remains one of his best known and most widely read works. The novel was also serialized in the weekly journal All the Year Round from April 30 to November 26, 1859, and published in book form on 21 November 1859. A Tale of Two Cities is considered one of the greatest of Dickens' works and contains one of the most recognizable openings in the English language: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Originally released in parts, after its completion A Tale of Two Cities became (and remains) one of the most widely read novels in history, selling over two hundred million copies to date. The book follows events in London and Paris around the time of the French Revolution, and Dickens used Thomas Carlyle's history of the French Revolution as both a source and inspiration. A complex novel of opposites and foils, its exploration of national and individual identity, selfish and selflessness, love and sacrifice has inspired countless operas, musicals, and films including a 1935 movie nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
Eckel, pp. 86-90; Gimbel A142; Hatton & Cleaver p. 331; Kremers pp. 108-112, Sadleir 701; Smith 13. Very Good +.
Dickens's great historical romance, set during the French Revolution, remains one of his best known and most widely read works. The novel was also serialized in the weekly journal All the Year Round from April 30 to November 26, 1859, and published in book form on 21 November 1859. A Tale of Two Cities is considered one of the greatest of Dickens' works and contains one of the most recognizable openings in the English language: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Originally released in parts, after its completion A Tale of Two Cities became (and remains) one of the most widely read novels in history, selling over two hundred million copies to date. The book follows events in London and Paris around the time of the French Revolution, and Dickens used Thomas Carlyle's history of the French Revolution as both a source and inspiration. A complex novel of opposites and foils, its exploration of national and individual identity, selfish and selflessness, love and sacrifice has inspired countless operas, musicals, and films including a 1935 movie nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
Eckel, pp. 86-90; Gimbel A142; Hatton & Cleaver p. 331; Kremers pp. 108-112, Sadleir 701; Smith 13. Very Good +.
Details
Title
A Tale of Two Cities
Author
Dickens, Charles
Condition
Very Good
Publisher
Chapman and Hall: London
Date
1859
Edition
First edition