Oliver Twist; or, the Parish Boy's Progress. By "Boz". by DICKENS, Charles

London, Bentley, 1838. . First edition in book form, first issue, three volumes, 8vo; with the 'Fireside' plate at p. 313, vol. III, 24 engraved plates by George Cruikshank, without half-titles and advertisements (as often when bound), mild age-toning to plates, the odd, random spot, otherwise, very unusually, near-fine; superb twentieth century full, dark green morocco by Bayntun Riviere, Bath, gilt panelled, gilt cameo of of the author upper boards and his facsimile signature to the lower boards, decorative gilt spine panels, gilt dentelles with cockerel endpapers, all edges gilt (some slight signs of wear), again, near-fine. A handsome copy of the first edition, first state of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, arguably his most famous novel; in exceptionally superior Bayntun Riviere bindings. 'When Bentley decided to publish Oliver in book form before its completion in his periodical, Cruikshank had to complete the last few plates in haste. Dickens did not review them until the eve of publication and objected to the "Fireside" plate ("Rose Maylie and Oliver") ... Dickens had Cruikshank design a new plate which retained the same title [The "Church" plate] ... This Church plate was not completed in time for incorporation into the early copies of the book but it replaced the Fireside plate in later copies'. Cohn 239; Eckel, p.59; Smith I.4.