The Mystery Of Edwin Drood

CHARLES DICKENS

Publication: Chapman and Hall, 1870, London

First edition in book form. With twelve illustrations by S. L. Fildes and a portrait. Octavo, recently bound in a period style binding of three quarter morocco over marbled paper boards, the spine with raised bands decorated and ruled gilt in compartments, contrasting red title label, by Byzantium Bindery. 190 pp, Frontispiece portrait of Dickens and Vignette title page, twelve full-page engravings inserted within the text. With all textual errors, as called for by Walter E. Smith in CHARLES DICKENS IN THE ORIGINAL CLOTH (1981). A few pages with small corner creases, a few minor stains to the margins; overall a very clean, attractive copy in fine modern binding, very handsome and pleasing. This remains one of the great unfinished and unsolved literary mysteries. Only three serial parts were written when Dickens died on June 9, 1870, publication of the work continued, and on completion with part 6 of all available material, the vast army of readers was left high and dry as to "The Mystery." This copy is lightly foxed, else in fine condition and handsomely bound in three-quarter leather and marbled paper over boards, raised bands, and titles stamped in gold gilt on the spine. Haycraft/Queen Cornerstone.

Inventory Number: 40771