London: Chapman and Hall, 1861. First edition. First edition in book form, first impression. With the earliest state of every point outlined in the detailed analysis by Margaret Cardwell in the Clarendon edition of Great Expectations (1993, Appendices C & D). The “3” in “103” on page 103 and the “i” in “inflexible” on page 193, which Cardwell notes as missing in some copies, are here present. A Near Fine copy. Three volumes, octavo (186 x 112 mm). Issued without half-titles. Vol. III bound without rear adverts. Contemporary half calf, green and brown spine labels, compartments decorated in gilt, marbled sides, endpapers, and edges. Ownership inscription of G. & J. E. Courtauld dated 1874 on first blanks. Bindings lightly rubbed and with a few spots, brown marks to fore edges, occasional light marks to contents but bright overall.

Great Expectations is Dickens’ masterwork and stands as the culmination of his mature style. The novel follows the exploits and emotional growth of Pip, a young orphan who aspires to great wealth and to the love of a cold temptress. In many ways, Gatsby can be seen as a roaring twenties version of Pip, with the same modest beginnings, the same goals and the same motivations. Whatever message a reader finds in the work, it is a powerful and moving novel that remains vivid today, over 150 years after its publication.

Smith I.14 (but superseded by Cardwell/Clarendon); Eckel 91-93; Sadlier 688. Near Fine (Item #7681)