Master Humphrey’s Clock
London, Chapman and Hall, (April) 1840 – (November) 1841.
20 vols. (180 x 265 mm). In wrappers, blue illustrated covers (custom-made box).
First edition.
The work appeared in three forms: in 88 weekly parts, 20 monthly parts, then in 3 volumes. These 20 monthly parts, complete, are illustrated with 3 frontispieces and numerous wood engravings in the text, by George Cattermole and H. K. Browne. They are published under identical illustrated blue paper wrappers, the same as those of the 88 weekly parts (from April 4, 1840 to November 27, 1841).
The work appeared in three forms: in 88 weekly parts, 20 monthly parts, then in 3 volumes. These 20 monthly parts, complete, are illustrated with 3 frontispieces and numerous wood engravings in the text, by George Cattermole and H. K. Browne. They are published under identical illustrated blue paper wrappers, the same as those of the 88 weekly parts (from April 4, 1840 to November 27, 1841).
Master Humphrey’s Clock was written entirely by Charles Dickens: a complete journal, framed by a main narrative introducing Master Humphrey, a solitary elderly Londoner and collector of manuscripts, which he keeps carefully stored inside an old clock by his fireplace. One day he decides to found a small club, “Master Humphrey’s Clock,” whose members take turns reading their manuscripts aloud. The Pickwick Papers is included, followed by several short stories, then the novels Barnaby Rudge and, above all, The Old Curiosity Shop, one of Dickens’s great works.
Some foxing, staining and marks to certain wrapper parts, slight restoration to wrapper no. 3.
Otherwise, a very fine set. Rare in this condition.
#30034
Back