{"product_id":"recreations-of-a-literary-man-percy-fitzgerald-new-edition","title":"Recreations of a Literary Man, Percy Fitzgerald — New Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublication:\u003c\/b\u003e London, Chatto and Windus, Piccadilly, 1883\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormatting:\u003c\/b\u003e 8vo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e Good. The original publisher’s cloth binding remains entirely intact and fundamentally sound, though it exhibits moderate shelf-wear commensurate with its age. There is noticeable rubbing to the head and tail of the spine, along with gently bumped corners and minor wear at the extreme edges. The grey cloth boards display general scuffing and handling marks, yet the gilt lettering and decorative vignettes on the front board and spine remain bright and unoxidised. Internally, the binding is tight and the hinges are secure. The most significant condition issue is the moderate to heavy foxing present on the preliminary leaves and endpapers, which extends intermittently into the text block. As is standard for this issue, the page edges are untrimmed and show dust-dulling and darkening from handling and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e This 1883 \"New Edition\" of Percy Fitzgerald's \u003ci\u003eRecreations of a Literary Man; or, Does Writing Pay?\u003c\/i\u003e condenses the original two-volume 1882 release into a more accessible, single-volume format. It is presented in the publisher's attractive grey cloth binding, decorated with intricate black foliate borders and a central gilt vignette of a classical lamp of learning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePercy Fitzgerald was a highly prolific Victorian author, critic, and a key figure in Charles Dickens's inner circle. This volume is particularly sought after for its extensive reflections on the contemporary literary landscape, notably featuring invaluable chapters dedicated to his interactions and professional relationship with Dickens. While the first edition commands a premium, this early single-volume iteration remains a scarce find on the open market, especially when retaining its original publisher's cloth and untrimmed state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eRecreations of a Literary Man\u003c\/i\u003e, the Victorian critic and author Percy Fitzgerald offers a candid, behind-the-scenes examination of the 19th-century writer's life. Directly addressing the practical and often precarious question, \"Does writing pay?\" Fitzgerald blends pragmatic industry insights with charming reminiscences of his legendary contemporaries. Most significantly, the text serves as a vital historical record, providing readers with intimate, first-hand accounts of his mentor, Charles Dickens, both as an editor and a friend. It is an absorbing and essential volume for anyone fascinated by the commercial realities and creative mechanics of the Victorian literary establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54495244648787,"sku":"4917","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260730_230922.jpg?v=1785931485","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/recreations-of-a-literary-man-percy-fitzgerald-new-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}