Launceston Dickens Curiosity
The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. Charles Dickens, pub. Henry Dowling, Launceston 1839.
This volume is somewhat of a mystery. Pastedown has 'Sir John Franklin's copy…..incomplete.'
Rebound, sometime prior to 1943, this is in very poor condition. It appears to be variant 'A' (per Craig's work) and is missing preliminaries, starts at page one. The final pages 585 to 592 are missing and replaced by handwritten leaves.
There are notes and names written throughout, and a small addition to the text.
The blank verso of plates have been used and also random margins. Opposite page 46…..'M. John Smith Compt. Genl. Convicts V&D Hobart Town.'
Further:
p.256 'William Skinner'
p.346 'Justin Foster'
p.426 'This is to certify that the bearer Richard Doyle(?)…..
p.427. A verse….'May though sweet Girle through life's short day in flowery(?) paths pursue Thy way secure from all the snares which we set round, The beauties and the fair flesh with a mate whose….?..., Mind ..?.... sincere and …?... , Kind be this thy lot(?) and more be giving by him, Who ..?.. above in Heaven/Hearing(?)
p.476 'Launceston Vandiemans Land - Viz, you will have the …(?)… goodnefs to send per Bearer the flat …?... whom(?) you soile?. Oblige yours truly, John Smith.'
p.515 'The seventh day of November 1845. To the lord belongeth mercy and forgivenefs'.
p.568. 'James Scott, Young Duncan, Grey'
p.576. 'William Skinner.'
p.582. 'Lon'
p.584. 'Fanny Scott'
All plates appear to be present. This is in very poor condition, pages handled, tears and dogears. Soiling, stains and foxing. Refer to images. (23x15cm)




Estimate $250-400