xiv, [2], 624 pp. Illustrated with 40 plates designed and etched on steel by Hablot K. Browne (Phiz), including frontispiece and added title. (8vo), 21x13 cm. (8¼x5¼"), finely bound by Bayntun Riviere in full red crushed morocco, decorative gilt borders, gilt-topped raised bands, gilt spine compartments, gilt-rolled edges, wide gilt dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. First Edition in book form.
With the added engraved title dated 1850, called by some a first issue point. Smith Vol. I, 9. Tipped to a blank leaf at the front is an Autograph Letter, signed, from Dickens to the Rev. Charles Eckersall. In full: Dear Sir, I regret that I cannot comply with your request, prepared in terms so cordial and so very agreeable to me. But, I assure you my time is so portioned out, and it is so indispensable to me to have it to myself in my own study, unbroken, that I go even to Birmingham with great reluctance and difficulty - should certainly not go, but for an old obligation - and shall be obliged to return home in the course of the same night. I am dear Sir, Faithfully yours, Charles Dickens." The original hand-addressed envelope tipped to the following leaf.