The Chimes Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

Rare signed and limited edition in original clear sleeve and pictorial slipcase. From limitation page: "Of this edition of The Chimes, by Charles Dickens, one thousand five hundred copies have been printed, with illustrations by Arthur Rackham, in Linotype Estienne by its designer, George W. Jones, at The Sign of the Dolphin, near to Dr. Johnson's House in Gough Square, London, England. This is Number '1296' and it is signed by 'Arthur Rackham'". Uniquely tall 8" x 11 3/4" design. Brown cloth boards, gilt cover design and spine titles, light shelf wear, toning. Classic cover design features two impish creatures perched on pedesta w/golden bells upon their heads as hats. Two-page spread of imps ringing bells at front, back endpapers. Pages near fine; no writing. Illustrated with the inimitable imagery of Arthur Rackham w/full-page designs and partial page vignettes, decoration gracing this volume. Bright gilded top edge; rough-cut lower text block. Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Original clear glassine sleeve, moderate wear. Includes a fresh twenty-four page introduction for this edition by Edward Wagenknecht. Original Rackham illustrated slipcase, moderate edge wear, rub, toning. Signed rarity of fine book craftsmanship. "The Chimes" is Charles Dickens 1844 tale that concerns the disillusionment of hard working "Trotty" Veck. When Trotty's spark dims and he blames himself and everyone else for his lot, he is visited on New Year's Eve by some darkly humoured rather mischievous spirits. They help to restore his faith in a most unorthodox manner, and show him that nobody is born evil, but rather, crime and poverty are only a part of the world we live in. 130 pages. Insured post. Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall. …