Charles Dickens: Shorthand Writer, William J. Carlton — 1st Edition

£37.50

Charles Dickens: Shorthand Writer, William J. Carlton — 1st Edition

Name: Charles Dickens: Shorthand Writer, William J. Carlton — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5621
Price: 37.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Cecil Palmer, 1926

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 149.

Condition Report: Very Good. The publisher's original blue-grey cloth binding remains firm, square, and structurally sound, showing only gentle shelf-wear and mild rubbing at the spine extremities that is entirely consistent with its age. The double blind-ruled borders on the front board and the dark spine lettering have survived sharply and without significant fading or oxidisation. The text block is pleasingly tight and secure; the top edge is lightly dulled, whilst the untrimmed fore-edge and tail exhibit minor age-toning and sporadic, light foxing. Internally, the pages are otherwise bright and clean, making this a highly presentable and robust survivor.

Catalogue Note: This is a true First Edition of William J. Carlton’s study of Charles Dickens, published in 1926. The volume is notably enhanced by twelve illustrations, including a frontispiece portrait of an eighteen-year-old Dickens reproduced from a miniature by Mrs. Barrow.

Of particular interest is the book's provenance. The front free endpaper bears the neat ink inscription of Granville Garley, dated "June 16th 1941, Manchester". Garley was a recognised literary competitor and contributor to British periodicals such as The Spectator during the mid-twentieth century; his ownership mark stands as a pleasant, historically factual association with a dedicated mid-century bibliophile.

Finding a surviving 1926 first edition in its original cloth binding without heavy institutional wear is becoming increasingly uncommon on the open market.

Before he became the most celebrated novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens was a master of Gurney's shorthand, working as a tireless parliamentary reporter and freelance journalist. In Charles Dickens: Shorthand Writer, William J. Carlton delves deeply into these vital 'prentice days, revealing how the relentless pace and intense observation required in the press gallery forged the young writer's unparalleled eye for character, dialogue, and social caricature. Meticulously researched and historically revealing, this study remains an essential resource for understanding the rigorous journalistic apprenticeship that shaped Dickens's literary genius.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: William J. Carlton

Book Publisher: Cecil Palmer

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Autobiography, Biography & Memoirs

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 149

Book Publication Year: 1926

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Cloth

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Gloucester, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.