Item Details
The Loving Ballad of Lord Bateman [Fine Binding].
London: Charles Tilt, 1839. First State, First Issue. Hardcover. Bound by English binder Francis Bedford (1799 – 1883). Aggressive bookplate of Ralph Louis Clutton (1902 – 1957), English first-class cricketer. John Furber Dexter (1848 - 1927) was an English collector of Charles Dickens's works. Following his death Dexter's collection remained in family hands before being purchased by the British Library in 1969 as the Dexter Collection of Dickensiana.
While much of the text attributed to Thackeray, there has long been suggestions/evidence that Dickens was more directly involved. That discussion, in both directions is well parsed elsewhere. Of interest here is the half page notation by noted Dickens collector, JF Dexter, "Mr. George Cruikshank told me on three different occasions that the preface and notes to this volume were written by Charles Dickens. /s/ John F. Dexter. 13th April, 1878".
This elegant little volume presents a strong position on the debate. Near Fine in Very Good Dust Wrapper. Minor shelf/edge wear, joints tender (as is too common in this sort of fine binding), ownership bookplate at front pastedown, half page mms notation [by JF Dexter] at ffep, else tight, bright, and unmarred; cloth protective dust wrapper shows light shelf/edge wear, one small closed tear, light rubbing/loss to leather spine label. Signed fine binding (F. Bedford), tan full leather, five raised bands, black leather spine label, gilt lettering and decorative elements, dentelles, marbled endpages, aeg, original (fine) gilted cloth wrapper bound in at rear; red cloth dust wrapper, burgundy leather spine label, gilt lettering. 12mo. 40pp plus 6pp of adverts. Illus. (b/w plates). First edition, first issue, with the "wine" reading in stanza V; centered page numbers; printer's name on verso of title & on last leaf. Item #10674
Price: $750.00