The Works.
Comprehending all his melodies, ballads, etc.
Paris: A. and W. Galignani, 1823 Stock Code: 138608
A handsome set from the collection of Charles Dickens with his bookplate and sale label to the front pastedown of each volume. The bookplates bear an illustration of a lion holding a star; the sale labels read, "From the Library of Charles Dickens, Gadshill Place, June, 1870". Dickens purchased Gadshill Place in Kent in 1856 and lived there until he passed away on the couch of his living room on Thursday 9th June 1870. His library was catalogued and sold at auction on July 9, 1870, by Messrs. Christie, Manson & Woods. During his lifetime, Dickens amassed a substantial library, which housed several dummy books featuring humorous fake titles of his own invention, such as: Drowsy's Recollections of Nothing, Lady Godiva on the Horse and Kant's Ancient Humbugs.
Moore's poems and songs are a large presence throughout Dickens works. According to a study by Donal O'Sullivan, Dickens made thirty references and allusions to Moore's verses throughout his novels and short stories: "...it would seem from these figures that he Moore held a special place in Dickens's affections. 'Tom Moore is my poet,' says one of the characters in Sketches by Boz. 'And mine!' echoes a second. 'And mine!' add a third and fourth. There can now be little room for doubt that he was the author's favourite also."
Description
Duodecimo (171 x 99 mm). Contemporary green half sheep, gilt titles, panels and decoration to spines, marbled sides, endpapers and edges, green silk bookmarker.
Condition
Later book label of E. B. Martindale to front pastedown of each volume. Spines toned, and with some minor chafing and wear, as also on the joints and extremities, tips bumped, mild foxing throughout, a few damp stains, some scuff marks to boards, but overall a very good set.
Bibliography
D O'Sullivan, Vol. 37, No. 146 of Studies: An Irish Quarterly Review: Charles Dickens and Thomas Moore, 1948, p. 169.
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