DICKENS, Charles (1812-1870). The Mystery of Edwin Drood. London: Chapman and Hall, April 1870 - September 1870.

First edition, first issue in original parts of Dickens’s final and unfinished novel. At the time of Dickens’s death in June 1870, he had barely completed the end of part 6 of the 12 projected monthly parts, leaving the mystery of Edwin Drood unsolved. Many theories about possible resolutions and clues contained in the illustrations have been put forth by readers, though according to Davis, the novel can also be read as the culmination of themes and motifs found in Dicken’s earlier works. (See Paul Davis’s Charles Dickens The Essential Reference to His Life and Work, p. 251). The pictorial wrapper was drawn by Charles Collins, brother to author Wilkie Collins. With the “Eigteenpence” slip printed over the original “One Shilling” price on part 6. Including the rare “Cork Hats” slip in part 2 and with the part 3 remainder 8pp. Chapman & Hall advertisement at the rear of part 4. Hatton and Cleaver pp. 373-[384]; Eckel pp. 96-98; Podeschi/Gimbel A154; Davis 251-256.

Six parts, octavo (224 x 145mm). Portrait frontispiece, etched vignette title, and 12 wood-engraved plates with tissue guards after Luke Fildes with all of the “Edwin Drood Advertiser” ads and slips except for “Cassell, Petter, and Galpin Publications” in part 1 and “Wilcox & Gibbs. ‘Concerning Stitches’” in part 6 (marginal foxing, a few small spots). Original blue-green pictorial wrappers (part 1 rebacked, a few backstrips reinforced with minor losses to the head and tail caps, small repairs, light soiling, minor chipping mostly to the extremities of parts 1 and 6). Custom chemise and half morocco pull off box.