Introducing Charles Dickens, May Lamberton Becker — 1st Edition

£40.00

Introducing Charles Dickens, May Lamberton Becker — 1st Edition

Name: Introducing Charles Dickens, May Lamberton Becker — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5671
Price: 40.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd., 1941.

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 240.

Condition Report: Very Good. The binding remains firm and remarkably tight, with the structural integrity of the boards uncompromised. The text block exhibits the typical moderate age-toning and mild spotting along the top and fore-edges, which is entirely consistent with the wartime paper stock of the era. The original dust jacket presents well despite minor expected wear; it suffers from some light creasing, subtle rubbing, and shallow chipping at the spine ends and corners, but it remains bright and largely intact without any severe structural loss.

Catalogue Note: This is the first UK edition of May Lamberton Becker’s engaging biographical work, distinguished by its highly moving wartime publication history. While first published in America by Dodd, Mead in 1940, this 1941 George G. Harrap edition holds unique historical weight. As detailed on the rear panel of the dust jacket, the transatlantic "mother and daughter team" of Becker (in New York) and typography expert Beatrice Warde (in London) collaborated during the height of the Blitz. Chapters were flown across the Atlantic as soon as they were penned, and proofs were bravely read in London air-raid shelters.

Furthermore, the royalties of this UK edition were entirely directed to the Dickens Fellowship to establish the "Cratchit Fund" for the relief of children and families living in air-raid shelters. The volume is wonderfully enhanced by fifteen half-tone plates and line illustrations by Oscar Ogg. Notably, the rear of the dust jacket features a striking portrait of Beatrice Warde by the acclaimed artist Eric Gill.

Given the fragility of wartime paper and the turbulent circumstances of the period, copies retaining their original dust jackets, particularly those shedding light on these Anglo-American literary relief efforts, are uncommonly found on the open market.

Written with profound affection and an immersive sense of history, Introducing Charles Dickens brings the legendary Victorian novelist to vivid life for a new generation. Rather than offering a dry academic biography, May Lamberton Becker paints a dynamic, conversational portrait of Dickens the man, tracing his footsteps through the very streets of London that inspired his enduring characters. It is a spirited, accessible journey into the heart of Dickensian England, capturing the energy, compassion, and restless genius of one of literature's greatest storytellers.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: May Lamberton Becker

Book Publisher: George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Autobiography, Biography & Memoirs

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 240

Book Publication Year: 1941

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Oscar Ogg

Book Series: N/A

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.