(London: Chapman and Hall, [circa 1880]).

A VERY EARLY PRINTING. ESPECIALLY SCARCE IN THE ORIGINAL PAPER WRAPPERS AND ESPECIALLY SO IN THIS CONDITION. And a handsomely illustrated edition of the novel in which Dickens introduced the world to the memorable Mr. Dombey and his transactions, business and personal, and that creates a "clear picture of society in [Dickens ] time. The original publication of this novel marked a turning point for Dickens; his proceeds were a fine increase over MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT, and with these earnings  his financial worriment ceased, prosperity began, and a period of money-saving was at hand.
The story features many Dickensian themes, such as arranged marriages, childhood hardship and cruelty, and relations between people from different British social classes. The novel was first published in monthly parts between 1846 and 1848, in blue paper wrappers very reminiscent of those found on this attractive issue for Appleton. Item #31437

The Household Edition, printed by Virtue & Co. in London, but in the wrappers issued for Appleton and Co., in New York [Podeschi D66]. With engraved frontispiece and three plates plus an additional 58 illustrations throughout the text by F. Barnard. Quarto (10" x 7"), in the original Appleton blue paper wrappers printed in black, the upper cover pictorially decorated and lettered, the lower wrapper and the spine lettered in black and modeled after the wrappers of the early periodic issues of Dickens' novels printed in England. x, 449 pp. An especially well preserved copy, very scarce in the original paper wrappers and in this condition, the wrapper complete and intact with only some toning overall and to the spine, some rubbing to the head and foot of the spine panel and a little general mellowing, the text is especially fresh and clean and in fine condition with some separation at the internal gutter.