First Edition of Great Expectations
Charles Dickens, 1861
DICKENS, Charles (1812-1870). Great Expectations. London: Chapman and Hall, 1861.

First edition, second impression, of Dicken’s classic tale of love, revenge, and human generosity. Dickens first published the novel in 36 weekly parts in All the Year Round, delighting subscribers with some of his most iconic characters, including the orphan Pip and the tortured spinster Miss Havisham. Only 1,000 copies of the first edition in book form were printed, with most of these copies going to circulating libraries. Eckel pp. 91-93; Gimbel A146; Sadleir 688; Smith II, 14.

Three volumes, octavo (194 x 123mm). Without advertisements at end of vol. III, dedication misbound before title in vol. I, title in vol. I laid down, laminated repair to B5, mainly marginal dark stain to T3-4, some thumb-soiling and marginal staining. 20th-century blue half calf over marbled boards, contrasting morocco labels, top edges gilt (spines and corners lightly rubbed; Zambrano library label on back pastedowns). Provenance: Sir Brian Mackenna (his sale, Christie’s London, 20 November 1998, lot 72).