DICKENS, Charles (1812-1870). The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. London: Chapman and Hall, 1839. 8vo (241 x 135 mm). Frontispiece in the first state with publisher's imprint, engraved plate entitled "Specimen of the Illustrations of Valentine Vox, the Ventriloquist," 39 engraved plates. (Lacking half-title, some browning or staining, a few plates with tears or frayed margins occasionally affecting image, a few plates trimmed close just touching imprint.) Modern half brown morocco, marbled boards, spine gilt.FIRST EDITION IN BOOK FORM, including plates 1-4 in the earliest states with publisher's imprint, plate 29 in the fourth state, and with "latter" for "letter" on p.160. Hatton & Cleaver pp.131-160; Smith I:5 (all points except pages 41, 198, and 238); Yale/Gimbel A41 (also lacking half-title).