The Battle of Life
London: Bradbury & Evans, 1846.
The Battle of Life
London: Bradbury & Evans, 1846. First edition. Vignette title in the fourth state (Smith II.8). Small 8vo: [viii], 175, [1], [2]; complete. Tipped onto the advertisement leaf is a smaller leaf advertising "Monsieur Vlieland's Works," not described in Smith. A lovely, Fine copy with some contemporary ownership markings at the front end papers, otherwise an excellent copy both inside and out.
Dickens' fourth Christmas book and one of the lesser known books from the series. The Battle of Life centers on two sisters, Grace and Marion, who must contend with shared romantic attachments. After Marion disappears with a presumed libertine, Michael Warden, the family struggles to make sense of her sudden departure. But in standard Dickensian fashion, the plot twists get resolved and happiness prevails for everyone. Fine (Item #1771)
