The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Dickens, Charles

Published by Chapman and Hall, London, 1870

About this Item

First edition of Dickens' final novel. Octavo, bound in full morocco by Bayntun-Riviere, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, gilt medallion portrait of Dickens on the front panel, gilt signature on the back panel, inner dentelles, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers. In fine condition. Engraved frontispiece portrait of Dickens, 12 engraved plates. An exceptional presentation. Charles Dickensâ novels regularly revolved around masks, dual identities and other secrets. The Mystery of Edwin Drood, however, â enlarged and strengthened [such matters] in the pursuit of a larger vision, a vision which depicts the â lanes of lightâ between the dark pillars of a crypt and which reflects upon â that mysterious fire which lurks in everythingâ (Ackroyd, 1056). Unfortunately, at the time of his death on June 9, 1870, Dickens had written only six parts of the book, three of which had been published. The remaining three were published posthumously. Dickens had so closely guarded the plotâ s outlines, even from his closest friends, that to this day the identity of Droodâ s killer remains a topic for speculation, discussion and debate. â There are few of [Dickensâ ] stories which are superior in the matter of compositionâ ¦ one of the best unfinished mystery stories in literatureâ (Eckel, 96). This tantalizing tale has been adapted in film and television several times. Seller Inventory # 130544

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Publisher: Chapman and Hall, London

Publication Date: 1870

Binding: Hardcover

Edition: 1st Edition