1 vol.
Dickens, Charles (Boz). Oliver Twist; or the Parish Boy's Progress. Philadelphia: Carey, Lea & Blanchard, 1838. Part First [nos 1-4], Part Second, no 1. 8vo, orig. 1/4 sheep & bds; rubbed & worn, front cover detached. Illus. by George Cruikshank, 14 plates (12 in 1st part). Bdg breaking, spotting & small tears throughout, a few plates chipped. With some paper loss, negligible paper loss to text. First American edition (Preceded only by the Phila: Carey, Lea & Blanchard, 1837 ptg of the 1st 2 chapters.) Only fragments of this edition, which was issued in parts, have been recorded. The first four numbers which comprise Part First were issued together, each of the 4 nos of Part Second were issued number by number. Only nos 1 & 3 of Part Second are recorded. (Yale Gimble A30.) The copy above contains Part First + no 1 of Part Second. The May 11, 1838 issue of The Philadelphia Inquirer noted this publication. The first printing of part 4 of Washington Irving's sketch book, N.Y., 1829. With defective front wrapper & title bound at back. Lacking p 41-44 and possibly two plates.
See Yale Gimble A30, A31 & A33; Carr, Catalogue of the Dickens Collection, Univ. of Texas, b53 - citing the Philadelphia: Carey, Lea & Blanchard 1837 printing of the first 2 chapters. Sold with all faults.