London: Chapman and Hall, 1859. First edition in book form, first issue (with uncorrected text). 8vo. Without 32 pp. ads at rear. Illustrated with an etched frontispiece, etched vignette title-page, and 14 etched plates by Hablot Knight Browne. Full tan calf, red and green morocco spine labels, decorated in gilt, short horizontal scratch on rear board; top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed; gilt dentelles; by Morrell. Smith I, 13; Hatton & Cleaver, p. 333; Eckel, pp. 86-87

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair..."

A handsome first edition in book form of Dickens' perennially popular work of historical fiction set during the French Revolution. Originally published in 31 weekly installments in Dickens's literary periodical, All the Year Round, from April-November 1859, and in eight monthly parts, from July-December, 1859. This book-form edition was published on November 21, 1859.