DICKENS, Charles (1812–1870). A group of 4 Christmas Books. London: Bradbury & Evans, 1845–1848.
4 volumes, 8vo. Comprising: The Chimes: A Goblin Story of Some Bells that Rang and Old Year Out and a New Year In. [Bradbury and Evans for:] Chapman & Hall, 1845 [but 1844]. Half–title, additional vignette title. FIRST EDITION, second issue vignette title with “Chapman & Hall” printed outside of the cloud illustration. –– The Cricket on the Hearth. A Fairy Tale of Home. 1846 [but 1845]. Half–title, additional vignette title. FIRST EDITION, second state with a three–line italic heading for Oliver Twist on p. 175 of the publisher’s ads. –– The Battle of Life. A Love Story. 1846. Half–title, additional vignette title. FIRST EDITION, later state vignette title (Todd E1, Eckel4). –– The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain. A Fancy for Christmas–Time. 1848. Frontispiece, additional vignette title. FIRST EDITION. Together, 4 works in 4 volumes, all in original red cloth gilt (ends worn, The Cricket rebacked preserving original spine), each with numerous plates, condition generally good. Smith II:5–6, 8–9.
[With:] DICKENS. The Chimes: A Goblin Story of Some Bells that Rang and Old Year Out and a New Year In. Philadelphia: Lea and Blanchard, 1845. (Heavily browned and with spotting throughout, as is). Half–title, additional vignette title, numerous plates. Original blueish green cloth gilt (ends worn, spotting to covers). FIRST AMERICAN EDITION.