DICKENSIANA

The six numbers are each unbound and in their original wraps. They are placed together in a worn purpose-built green cloth Solander box, with 'Bentley's Miscellany Jan-June 1837' in gilt on spine and front. In fair overall condition, worn and aged, with nos.4-6 not as well preserved as the first three numbers, having some loss to the wraps, particularly at the spines. No.2 has '2' in light ink at the head of the front wrap; No.4 has one signature (pp.331-334) loose; and No.6 has slight staining at the foot of the front wrap.

Spencer was a sharp operator (see Mandelbrote ed., 'Out of Print and into Profit', pp.285-287) and the present items give an hint of his methods. (The two letters are addressed from the premises at which his staff were said to practice their 'sophistications'.) His two letters (both signed 'W. T. Spencer') are in good condition, on lightly-aged and worn paper, with the second dated by Bois to 1931. Bois's letter (signed 'Winifred Bois') is in fair condition, with a short closed tear along one edge. Letter One: Spencer to Bois, 23 February [1931].

LETTER: 3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on aged and worn paper. Kitton writes that he has received two copies of the Book Buyer for March, and is 'much interested' in it for two reasons: 'Mrs. Garlands flattering comments upon myself and my work', and 'a very generous notice of my latest Dickens production'. He finds illustrations 'excellently reproduced', and praises 'the careful attention that has obviously been bestowed upon the preparation of both blocks and letterpress'. Turning to another matter, he notes 'a query (no.

3pp., 4to. In bifolium. Good, on aged and lightly-creased paper. 'Mrs. de Morgan' in manuscript at the foot of the first page, and 'No 5' at the head. The first page carries the circular letter from 'Edwd. West, Secy.', engraved in copperplate. In sending the balance sheets he notes that 'the income is scarcely equal to the expenditure which is necessary for obtaining for the Society public support'.

Printed on a piece of 14 x 9.5 cm india paper, laid down on a piece of 17 x 11.5 cm card, with rounded edges. Aged and faded, but nevertheless a nice item of Dickensiana. A sensitive study of Dickens's face, above a heavily-faded facsimile of his signature. Printed at the head of the card is 'R. LEHMANN'S PORTRAIT STUDIES.' And at the foot: 'CHARLES DICKENS | FRED.

Dimensions approximately 16 inches by 11 inches. In good condition, although both album and cuttings are browning, and with some fraying to extremities. In repaired red and black wraps. Around forty leaves, filled with cuttings on both sides. An attractive, useful and interesting collection of ephemeral material PIckwick, etc.). Includes four pages of phtographs on green paper of 'HOUSES IN WHICH DICKENS LIVED', and 'THE LOVING BALLAD OF LORD BATEMAN' by Dickens and Cruikshank, reproduced from The Graphic Christmas Number, 1902.

Clearly assembled by an enthusiastic collector or dealer-collector (possibly - from an inscription reproduced below - Harold Child, writer?). While the title-leaves and prelims are in variable condition there is no evidence that the prints, which are for the most part very well preserved, have been removed from volumes. The number of duplicates (as many as five copies of the same item) would indicate that this is unlikely, and it is probable that they were acquired separately. The box, measuring 31 x 24 x 5 cm, is half bound in brown cloth with worn leather spine, on which 'VOL.

Noted Dickens scholar (1856-1904). Croker was the son of the Irish antiquary Thomas Crofton Croker. Two pages, 12mo. Good, but with a few stains. 'I am sorry to learn that the Dickens items which you so kindly lent to the Exhibition have not yet been returned to you, and am making enquiries at once. | [...] some of my memoranda went astray when they were removed from one room to another at the Memorial Hall during my absence, and the paper containing your address could not be discovered. | I have reason to believe that good things are in the safe custody of Mr. Miller (Hon. Sec.