Dealings with the Firm of Dombey and Son, Wholesale, Retail, and for Exportation.

Dickens, Charles. Illustrations by H.K. Browne

Published by Bradbury & Evans 1846-48, London, 1846

About this Item

First edition in the scarce original parts of Dickens tale of the fortunes of the Dombey shipping firm with "delight" for "joy" on page 284. Octavo, original wrappers, with 40 etchings by Halbot Knight Brown, containing all advertisements as issued. In very good condition. Housed in a custom full morocco and chemise pull-off case. Scarce and desirable. Dombey and Son "was well received by its readers, and is considered to be the first novel that reflects Dickens's artistic maturityâ ¦ Dickens told his first biographer, 'It was to do with Pride what its predecessor [Martin Chuzzlewit] has done with Selfishness" (Schlicke, 280). The work "has a sense of the numinous, is more profoundly touched by the sense of last things, than any of Dickens' previous novels. It is larger in conception, so that human life is seen in terms of its beginning and its end, so that grief and forgiveness become more powerful forces within itâ ¦ Dickens is aware of its status as art and provides here a simulacrum of human life touched by majesty and purpose" (Ackroyd, 526). The original serials contain the first of Browne's "dark plates" ("On the dark Road," in part 18), created by the engraver's lining machine and roulettes that tint the etched plate, creating heightened contrast (Johannsen, Phiz, 309).

Seller Inventory # 96177

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Dealings with the Firm of Dombey and Son, Wholesale, Retail, and for Exportation.
• Publisher: Bradbury & Evans 1846-48, London
• Publication Date: 1846
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Seller catalogs:
  • First Edition