Dombey and Son - Charles Dickens - London 1848 - First Edition

Dombey and Son - Charles Dickens - London 1848 - First Edition

Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens, published by Bradbury & Evans, London 1848 - first edition.

First edition of the famous novel by renowned English author Charles Dickens. The novel tells the story of owner of a shipping company, who is frustrated by not having a son to follow in his footsteps. The story touches on major themes including family relationships, child suffering, betrayal, fraud, and relationships between people from different British social classes. The novel was originally published in monthly installments between 1846-1848 across 20 consecutive parts. Each part cost one shilling, and this was the first time Dickens published a novel in separate serialized parts. The parts included illustrations by Hablot Knight Browne ("Phiz"). The novel was first published as the book before us in its first edition in 1848. Dickens started writing the book in Lausanne, Switzerland before returning to England via Paris to complete it.

The interesting fact about this first edition is actually an etching which appears in it. On the page next to page 547 appears an etching titled "On the Dark Road". It was made using a special "dark plate" etching technique, used for the first time in printmaking history, to create a more dramatic effect. The artist tinted the etching plate to increase the black-white, light-dark contrast to convey darkness. The fusion of light and shadow in this etching stands out clearly compared to the other etchings in the book. This technique incorporated in Dickens' book drew praise from reviewers who spoke of it again and again, and it set a new standard for illustrations in Victorian novels, with many imitators who used this technique in subsequent years.

XVI, 624 p. + 39 etchings. Ownership inscription and notes on protective page. Original leather binding with gilt lettering on spine. Front cover detached and glued with adhesive paper on the inside. Stain at top of title page and page next to it. Light stains on some pages. Overall good condition.