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Charles Dickens. American Notes for General Circulation. London: Chapman and Hall, 1842....
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Description
A very fine presentation copy to a prominent Boston abolitionist
Charles Dickens. American Notes for General
Circulation. London: Chapman and Hall, 1842.2 volumes, 8vo. Half-titles; advertisement leaf at front of Vol. I, 6pp. advertisements at end of Vol II. Original reddish-brown cloth, decorated in blind, gilt-lettered on spine, with binder's ticket of Leighton & Eeles on front pastedown of Vol. I; quarter morocco slipcase.
A FINE COPY OF THE FIRST EDITION IN THE PRIMARY BINDING, FIRST ISSUE, with verso of the contents leaf incorrectly numbered "xvi". PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY DICKENS on the half-title in volume one: "Dr. Channing / from / Charles Dickens / nineteenth October 1842," on the day of publication.
American Notes for General Circulation was Dickens' narrative account of his first visit to North America in early 1842. By this time, Dickens had become one of the first "celebrity" authors following the immense popularity of his books and characters immortalized in such works as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby, and ventured across the Atlantic Ocean to visit North America for the first time. Starting his travels in Boston, Dickens would circle his way around the United States and Canada, where he lectured and was fêted by packed audiences along the way, and established acquaintances among the most prominent figures in America at the time. Some of the notable Americans he met during this trip include Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe, John Quincy Adams, John Tyler, Daniel Webster, and numerous others.
In American Notes, published later the same year, Dickens writes not just about the many cities and towns he visits, but also the numerous methods of travel and the tribulations required to get him and his companions between various locations.
The present copy was inscribed on the day of publication to Dr. William Ellery Channing (1780-1842), a leading Unitarian preacher and pastor of the Federal Street Church in Boston, and a fervent opponent of slavery. Dickens breakfasted with Channing on February 2 in Boston. Dickens wrote of him: "I was reluctantly obliged to forego the delight of hearing Dr Channing, who happened to preach that morning for the first time in a very long interval. I mention the name of this distinguished and accomplished man (with whom I soon afterwards had the pleasure of becoming personally acquainted), that I may have the gratification of recording my humble tribute of admiration and respect for his high abilities and character; and for the bold philanthropy with which he has ever opposed himself to that most hideous blot and foul disgrace - Slavery" (American Notes, p. 25-26). Laid in is a subscription receipt to the National Anti-Slavery Standard, to Mrs. William E. Channing, Newport, R.I. Dr. Channing's nephew was William Ellery Channing, the Transcendentalist poet.
Condition: Some very slight toning to spines and board edges; spine ends with a few miniscule splits; corners slightly rubbed and bumped; very minor rubbing to sides, with a few bumps at board edges. Front hinge starting in Vol. I. Overall, a very fine and bright copy.
References: Eckel, pages 108-109; Smith II, 3. From the William A. Strutz Library.
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Auction Info
2024 June 27 Important English and American Literature: The William A. Strutz Library, Part I, Rare Books Signature® Auction #6295 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2024
27th
Thursday
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