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3 volumes. [4], 331, [1 blank], +[4 ad]; [4], 307; [2 ad], [2], 315 pp. Half-titles in volumes 1 & 2 and ads in vols. 1 & 3 as called for. Illustrated with 24 etched plates by George Cruikshank, including 3 frontispieces, and mostly signed in the plate. (8vo) 7¾x4¾, finely bound in full red crushed morocco, spines gilt, raised bands, top edges gilt. Bound by F. Bedford. First Edition in Book Form, First Issue.

First issue, with the title-page stating "by 'Boz'" and the presence of the "Fireside" plate as the last illustration in the work. "When Bentley decided to publish Oliver in book form before its completion in the periodical, Cruikshank had to complete the last few plates in haste. Dickens did not review them until the eve of publication and objected to the Fireside plate which depicted Oliver at Rose Maylie's knee with Harry and old Mrs. Maylie all gathered round the living room fire. Dickens had Cruikshank design a new plate...[which] showed Rose and Oliver standing before the tablet in memory of Oliver's mother. This Church plate was not completed in time for incorporation into the early copies of the book...Dickens not only objected to the Fireside plate, but also disliked having 'Boz' on the title-page. He voiced these objections prior to publication and the plate and the title-page were changed between November 9 and 16" (Smith).