Description:

DICKENS' 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL' PRESENTED TO MARY ANNE DISRAELI
Rare and important book, Charles Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol' (London: Chapman & Hall), 1843. FIRST EDITION, 2ND ISSUE, 8vo., four hand-colored engraved plates and four text illustrations by John Leech, frontispiece professionally reattached, armorial bookplate. Original cloth, gilt edges, spine a bit faded. MARY ANNE DISRAELI'S COPY, PRESENTED TO HER BY SUZANNE ARETHUSA MILNER GIBSON This fine presentation volume is inscribed on the half-title page: 'Mrs. Disraeli from her affecti[onate] friend Arethusa, Jany 1st 1844' The verso of the frontispiece is annotated in light pencil in an unknown hand: 'M. A. Disraeli, Grosvenor Gate'. Some toning to the title page else very good. With clamshell case. Mary Anne Disraeli (1792-1872) was the wife of British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. It was her fortune that allowed him to purchase the estate of Hughenden in Buckinghamshire and to live in the style of an English gentleman. Staid Victorians were often scandalized by Mary's uninhibited conversation but soon learned not to insult her within Disraeli's hearing. She was a great help Disraeli in editing the books he wrote, and spent 30 years taking care of him. She once joked in public that although he had married her for her money he would do it again for love. Arethusa Milner-Gibson was the wife of politician James Milner-Gibson, a classmate and close friend of Benjamin Disraeli. It was the Milner-Gibsons who introduced the Disraelis to Dickens.

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April 2, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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