DICKENS, Charles. ~ Bleak House... with illustrations by H.K. Browne. London: Bradbury and Evans, [ 1852-] 1853.
8vo (210 × 129 mm), pp. xvi, 624, pagination including additional engraved title, plus 39 plates (one a frontispiece and 10 ‘dark’ plates. Significant foxing to plates, mainly marginal, the text clean. Bound from the original parts in contemporary half calf, panelled spine with red morocco label. Spine rubbed with head a little worn. Contemporary inscription: ‘S. Cook / Avon House/ Tulse Hill’ to front free endpaper. A good copy.
First edition, bound from the original parts, the plates by Hablot Knight Browne including the ten ‘dark’ plates, merging meticulous engraved lines made by an engraving- or ruling-machine with the hand drawn lines of the etching needle to create an atmospheric mezzotint-like effect.
Bleak House was Dickens’ ninth novel, published in monthly parts from March 1852 to September 1853. Hatton & Cleaver, pp. 275-304; cf. Smith, Charles Dickens, I, 10.