Dickens, Osbert Sitwell — 1st Edition

Name: Dickens, Osbert Sitwell — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5616
Price: 28.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Chatto & Windus, 1932

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 47, [1].

Condition Report: Very Good. The binding remains structurally sound and retains a pleasing firmness overall, though it does exhibit some moderate wear commensurate with age. Notably, there is a small chip and associated loss to the paper covering at the head of the front board near the spine joint, which slightly exposes the underlying board. The printed paper spine shows typical age-toning and mild softening at the extremes, while the corners and edges of the boards display light rubbing. Internally, the volume is well-preserved; the hinges are secure, and the pages remain remarkably bright and entirely free of foxing. A previous owner's neat ink inscription ("Granville Garley, / October 1st, 1938. / Manchester.") is present on the front endpaper, treated here as a standard mark of provenance

Catalogue Note: This is a First Edition of Osbert Sitwell's essay on Charles Dickens, issued as number 16 in the elegant "Dolphin Books" series.

The volume is particularly notable for its charming patterned paper boards, which were designed by the celebrated British artist and illustrator Edward Bawden; his initials ("E.B.") are subtly incorporated into the lower-left portion of the front cover's central cartouche Bawden's contributions to the series elevate these small volumes into highly desirable examples of 20th-century book design.

While the text itself is not exceptionally scarce, finding a first edition that retains its original Bawden boards without severe spine deterioration or complete loss to the delicate paper covering is uncommon on the current open market.

In this succinct and stylish study, Osbert Sitwell casts his discerning eye over the life and work of Charles Dickens. Approaching the Victorian giant from a distinctly twentieth-century perspective, Sitwell brings his characteristic aristocratic wit and critical sharpness to bear on Dickens's enduring literary legacy. The result is a spirited re-evaluation that serves as both an insightful piece of literary criticism and a fascinating intersection between two vastly different eras of English letters.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Osbert Sitwell

Book Publisher: Chatto & Windus

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Criticism & Essays

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 48

Book Publication Year: 1932

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Edward Bawden

Book Series: The Dolphin Books

Country/region of manufacture: Edinburgh, 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.