London: Chapman and Hall, April 1840-November 1841. In 20 parts. First edition, second issue (i.e. in original monthly parts). Large 8vo. With all ads, except: Part 1 lacking third ad at rear; pp. 3/4 of second ad at rear of Part 7 torn away. Illustrated with three wood-engraved frontispieces by George Cattermole, as well as woodcuts and initials by Cattermole and Hablot Knight Browne ("Phiz") throughout set. Prelims in Parts 6, 12, and 20. Publisher's limp printed pictorial green wrappers, spine nearly perished on Part 1, others with small losses at head and foot of same, scattered repairs to spine, scattered soiling and wear to wrappers; Part 5 largely unopened; scattered light soiling and spotting to text; in three-quarter green morocco pull-off box and chemise, book-plate of Edmund Baylies on front panel of chemise. Eckel, pp. 67-70; Hatton & Cleaver, pp. 161-182

A handsome set of the rare first edition in monthly parts. This second issue (i.e. monthly parts) was preceded by the 88 weekly parts (see lot). The sheets for the weekly parts were gathered every four or five weeks and slightly trimmed to form these monthly issues.