I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free. Mankind will surely not deny to Harold Skimpole what it concedes to the butterflies.

Here we offer the first edition, first form of Charles Dickens's classic, Bleak House, published by Bradbury & Evans, London, in 1853. Features necessary first edition points: Errata listed after list of plates on xvi; "elgble" on page 19 line 6; "chair" on page 209. line 23; "counsinship" on page 275 line 22. With 40 engraved illustrations by Hablot Knight Browne (“Phiz”), including frontispiece and vignette title page, in a handsome fine binding with 3/4 leather, marbled boards and endpapers.

Well-worn binding with hinges still holding well. Outer boards' marbled paper has peeled and smoothed over with use maybe a hundred years ago (please see pics.) Rear endpage has binder's tissue securing an edge tear.  First two blank flyleaves have period inscriptions. Illustrations and pages they offset are foxed as is typical for most Dickens' firsts. Very tight and square binding; very clean, bright, and crisp text with a few minor edge tears, chips, and dogears. 624 pages; measures approximately 8.5 x 5.75-inches.

This iconic first will make a wonderful centerpiece to your collection or a marvelous gift.

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