A TALE Of TWO CITIES. From Petersons' Illustrated Octavo' Edition of Dickens' Works.
Philadelphia: T. B. Peterson and Brothers, (1859). 1st Edition, 2nd Issue (Smith AMERICAN, 12). 211, [1 (blank) pp [= 196 pp]. Pagination begins @ p. 17. 10 page publisher catalogue at rear (1st state). 33 inserted plates from Original designs by John McLenan, including Frontis & engraved T. p. 8vo. 9-1/4" x 5-3/4"". Modern green half-morroco binding with complementary marbled paper boards. Renewed eps. Square & tight. Binding - Fine. Textblock - VG+ (po name stamp to t.p./plates quite clean). A handsome volume. Item #6174.4
The first US appearance of ATTC was serially in Harper's Weekly. Smith provides a concise publishing history of the Peterson edition, the rights for which were purchased from Harpers. This second issue was preceeded by a cheap wrappered edition, un-illustrated, published November 29, 1859 & sold for 50¢ [not seen by Smith, but we have a copy]. This more-common hardbound followed a week later, offered in 25 different binding styles & formats.
Price: $1,250.00