DICKENS, Charles (1812-1870). Little Dorrit. London and Whitefriars: Bradbury & Evans, December 1855-June 1857.

First edition in original parts, first issue. Dickens’s second satirical attack on the cruel practice of imprisonment for debt. This is the first issue; part 15 with character name “Riagaud” rather than “Blandois,” and the subsequent correction slip in part 16. A handsome set. Hatton & Cleaver 307-330, Eckel, 82-85; Podeschi/Gimbel A140.

20 parts in 19, octavo. Title, dedication, preface and list of plates at the end of part 19/20; with all of the “Little Dorrit Advertisers,” ads, and slips called for by Hatton & Cleaver, and additional advertisement for “Cassell’s Illustrated History of England” in part 7. Frontispiece and 38 etched plates by Hablot K. Browne (foxing to edges of plates). Original blue-green pictorial wrappers (light wear and a few chips to backstrips, a little soiling to first two front wrappers and occasional small stains). Custom chemise and quarter morocco slipcase. Provenance: Christie’s New York, 8 December 1989, lot 170.