[Literature] Dickens, Charles. A Curious Dance Round a Curious Tree

(London, 1860). First separate edition, first issue (with final paragraph in matching type, and with full stop on front wrapper after "Tree"). 8vo. Original limp printed wrappers, creased along center from when sometime folded, lightly soiled. In elaborate full crushed green levant chemise, decorated in gilt with red and yellow morocco onlay; gilt dentelles; patterned silk endleaves; in green cloth slip case. Eckel, pp. 188-191

Together with:

A Curious Dance Round a Curious Tree
(London, 1860). First separate edition, second issue (with final paragraph in bold type, and with a comma following "Tree" on front wrapper). 8vo. Lacking the original envelope, as usual. With the first printing excised from Household Words tipped in at rear (three leaves, Saturday, January 17, 1852, No. 95, pp. 385-389). Original limp printed wrappers, creased along center from when sometime folded, closed tear in fore-edge of front wrapper, wrappers somewhat soiled; house in above slip case and chemise.

Collection of the first and second issues of the first separate edition of Dickens' account of St. Luke's House for Lunatics. Dickens first wrote of his Christmas Eve visit to St. Luke's in Household Words in 1852. In 1860, with Dickens' permission, it was reprinted here in order to help raise funds for the institution. "Perhaps the returns in a financial way were unsatisfactory, and it was decided to print a second issue. In this the appeal for funds at the end was emphasized by bold-faced type." (Eckel)

From the private library of Dr. David L. Harrar II, Sunnyvale, California

[Literature] Dickens, Charles. A Curious Dance Round a Curious Tree