May 2023 James Dean Auction Ends Thursday, May 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/25/2023
Extremely rare Charles Dickens signed presentation first edition, first impression of his travelogue, "American Notes for General Circulation", inscribed to his close American friend William Hickling Prescott the day after publication. London: Chapman and Hall, 1842. Issued in two volumes, Dickens signs the half-title of Vol. I, "W. H. Prescott / From his friend / Charles Dickens / October Nineteenth 1842." With the key first impression point present, namely the first pagination page mis-numbered XVI, which is also the last page of the "Contents to Volume I." Bound in publisher's original binding of brown-mauve cloth, blind-stamped with gilt titling. Also with 6pp. of advertisements at the end of volume II, and pale yellow endpapers.
Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Prescott was a leading scholar of the Spanish Empire and a respected historian, even credited with giving the study of history the gravitas it needed to be considered a worthy discipline. He and Dickens maintained a correspondence over their lifetimes, agreeing on many subjects outlined in "American Notes", such as the need for universal copyright law and an abhorrence of slavery. Books are very well preserved, with light shelf wear and minor sunning to spines. With small bookseller's label on front pastedown. Overall in very good plus condition, housed in custom slipcase. A scarce and important first impression, uniquely inscribed by Dickens as a presentation copy. From the collection of David Niven.
Charles Dickens Signed Presentation First Impression of "American Notes" -- Inscribed to His Friend, William H. Prescott, the Day After Publication -- From the David Niven Collection
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