Charles Dickens — Oliver Twist

London, Richard Bentley , 1838. First edition. Leather. Two out of three volumes of the first edition, second issue of 'Oliver Twist', Charles Dickens' lasting second novel. First edition, second issue. With 'Charles Dickens' attributed as the author to the title pages, and with 'Church' plate in Volume 3, replacing the cancelled 'Fireside' plate, and 'pilaster' for 'pier' or 'pedestal' to page 164 Volume III. Offering Volume II and Volume III only, of three volumes.  In a uniform contemporary half calf binding with marbled paper boards. Renewed endpapers. Bound with the original half title to Vol. II. Lacking advertisements. Complete with George Cruikshank's distinctive illustrations, including a frontispiece and six plates to Volume II and a frontispiece and seven plates to Volume III. Charles Dickens' second novel follows orphan Oliver Twist as he escapes to London, meets a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by the elderly criminal Fagin, and discovers the secrets of his parentage. An early example of the social novel, Dickens satirises child labour, domestic violence, and the presence of street children. This copy previously held at Delapre Abbey, a mansion in Northampton, England, with the engraved armorial bookplate to the front paste downs. In a uniform contemporary half calf binding with marbled paper boards. Externally, quite worn, with lifting to the spines and strain to Vol. II front joint. Armorial bookplate from Delapre Abbey to the front paste downs. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with heaviest instances of scattered spots to the first and last few leaves. Otherwise only the odd light spots and light toning to plates. Contemporary ink inscriptions to the title pages. Good Only . Ill.: George Cruikshank. Good Only .