Item Details
Master Humphrey's Clock (three volumes). with illustrations by George Cattermole and Hablot Browne.
London: Chapman and Hall, 1840-1841. First Edition. Hardcover. Formerly owned by Oliver Sacks (unsigned). Narrator Master Humphrey was a lonely man who lived in London. He keeps old manuscripts in an antique grandfather clock by the chimney-corner, and decides to start a little club, called Master Humphrey's Clock, where the members, including Mr. Pickwick himself, have a penchant for telling stories. In the book, several short tales are recounted, followed by the novels 'The Old Curiosity Shop', which follows the life of the beautiful and virtuous Little Nell and her Grandfather, and 'Barnaby Rudge', Dickens first effort at historical fiction, set during London's non-Popery 'Gordon' Riots (Protestant rallying against the Roman Catholic Relief Act, 1778). Engraved on wood by E.Landells, C.Gray, Vasey, & S.Williams. The first edition of this work in book form, as it was originally published as a weekly periodical.
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. Good. Moderate shelf wear/rubbing to extremities and bumped/fraying corners, spotting on volume 3, foxing throughout, discoloration/toning and spotting, else tight, bright, and unmarred. Publisher's vertically-ribbed brown cloth, elaborately blocked in gilt and blind, with gilt-blocked clock design to upp.er cover (the clock hands indicating the volume numbers on each), marbled endpapers, all with edges marbled. 4to. pp.[2] iv; 306pp.vi; 306pp., vi; 426pp. [4]. illus (b/w in text). Item #12125
Price: $1,250.00