Item Details
Bleak House.
London: Bradbury & Evans, 1853. First Edition. Hardcover. Formerly owned by Oliver Sacks (unsigned). Illustrated with an engraved title page and frontispiece, alongside a further 40 plates. Illustrated by Hablot Knight Browne, known by his pen name "Phiz", an English illustrator who contributed his work to ten of Charles Dickens' books. The novel was first published in serial form between March 1852 and September 1853. "Writing at the height of his powers, Dickens adopts a virtuoso form of double narration, and the novel has since the middle of the twentieth century been widely acclaimed as his greatest work" (ODNB). Of note is the inclusion of ten dark plates, a new mode of illustration particularly fitting to the novel.
From the library of Dr. Oliver Sacks, the renowned neurologist, author, and educator. He was, in his life, celebrated for his contributions to the understanding of the human brain and his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broader audience. In doing so, he highlighted the profound impact of neurological disorders on human identity and experience. His library is a reflection of this remarkable polymath's questing mind. Very Good+. Moderate shelf wear/rubbing to extremities and bumped/chipped corners (head and end cap [peeling on upp.er]), foxing throughout, discoloration/browning (plates show light toning and spotting), p.310-314 detached, else tight, bright, and unmarred. Bound in three quarters maroon calf over marbled boards, edges marbled, gilt title on spine, four raised bands. With first issue points: "elgble" on page 19, line 6; "chair" on page 209, line 23; "counsinship" on page 275, line 22. With forty engraved plates including the frontispiece and engraved title. Bound with illustrated vignette. Errata listed after list of plates on xvi. Pencil of former owner on tp. 8vo. xvi, 624pp. Illus. (b/w plates). Item #12082
Price: $1,500.00