The Humour of Dickens, R. J. Cruikshank — 1st Edition
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Publication: London, "News Chronicle" Publications Department, 1952.
Formatting: 8vo, pp. 145.
Condition Report: Very Good. The book maintains its structural integrity and presents handsomely overall. The original dust jacket is fully intact but shows signs of careful handling, notably a small closed tear and minor nicks along the top edge, alongside slight dust-soiling and rubbing to the rear panel. The paper-covered boards beneath remain relatively bright and sturdy, with only mild bumping to the corners and spine ends. Internally, the pages are clean and legible, exhibiting a touch of age-toning typical of the era, while the binding remains firm and secure.
Catalogue Note: This is a First Edition thus, compiled by R. J. Cruikshank to celebrate the enduring wit of Charles Dickens. The volume is notably enriched by a selection of prominent modern artists of the period, featuring line illustrations by celebrated mid-century talents including Searle, Lancaster, Joss, Illingworth, Low, Giles, Cummings, Vicky, Horner, and Ardizzone. The frontispiece by Ardizzone wonderfully captures the lively spirit of Dickens's characters.
Though the preliminary pages are clean of significant provenance or previous ownership inscriptions, the collection remains a delightful mid-twentieth-century tribute.
This edition, especially when retaining its original dust jacket over the boards, is relatively common on the open market but remains a charming and collectable piece for enthusiasts of both Dickensian literature and British illustrative art.
Dive into the vibrant, comedic world of one of Britain’s greatest literary masters in The Humour of Dickens. Carefully selected by R. J. Cruikshank, this anthology curates some of the most uproarious, witty, and charming passages from Charles Dickens’s extensive body of work. Brought to life by a stellar line-up of mid-century British illustrators—including the iconic Edward Ardizzone and Ronald Searle—this collection offers a fresh, visual interpretation of classic characters and timeless scenes, making it a must-have for both ardent Dickens fans and lovers of vintage illustration.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: Charles Dickens, R. J. Cruikshank
Book Publisher: "News Chronicle" Publications Department
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Humour
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 145
Book Publication Year: 1952
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Searle, Lancaster, Joss, Illingworth, Low, Giles, Cummings, Vicky, Horner, Ardizzone
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| 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. |
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