The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.

First edition in the original monthly parts, mixed issue of this titular hero’s journey through hardship. Octavo, original blue-green wrappers, 20 parts in 19 volumes, dated April 1838-October 1839. Illustrated with an engraved portrait of Dickens by Finden after Daniel Maclise, and 38 out of 39 black and white etched plates by "Phiz" or Hablot Knight Browne. Lacking second plate in No. IV, "Nicholas astonishes Mr. Squeers and family", and supplied with a duplicate of first plate from No. II, "Nicholas starts for Yorkshire" (plate 16 in No. VIII first steel; plate 23 in No. XII with "Mr."; plate 29 in No. XV, fourth impression). Mixed issues with second state "sister" on line 17, p. 123, in No. IV and with first state "latter" on line 6, p. 160, in No. V.; first four plates with publisher's imprint; lacking half-title in final number. Additional ads not called for in Hatton & Cleaver: front of No. XII ("The Addresses of the Right Hon. Sir J. Graham..."); front of No. XIII ("Just Published...Lanercost"); seven additional leaves of ads at rear of No. XVIII. Lacking the following ads: all in No. I; ads following plates and rear ads in No. III; last ad at rear of No. VII; first and third of rear ads in No. VIII; Charles Tilt yellow slip in No. XI ("in many copies", per Hatton & Cleaver); final rear ad in No. XII; "Mary Ashby" slip (sometimes found in No. XVI), final rear ad in same; first, second, and fourth rear ads in Nos. XIX/XX. In very good condition with scattered wear and soiling, spine of No. XV repaired. Housed in a custom box.