CHARLES DICKENS AND MARIA BEADNELL.
Private Correspondence. Edited by George Pierce Baker. Boston: The Bibliophile Society, 1908. Original grey paper boards with parchment spine and corners, in original two-piece slipcase with spine label.
First Edition, limited to 493 copies for Bibliophile Society members only (preceding the so-called "Bixby Edition" of the same year). Maria Beadnell, the first love of the young Charles Dickens during the years 1830-1833 (her father prevented the match), became the model for Dora in DAVID COPPERFIELD; in 1855 she contacted him and they secretly met without their spouses, but Dickens, surprised at how much she had changed, subsequently based the less-than-flattering Flora Finching of LITTLE DORRIT upon her. This is an as-new copy, in the original two-part slipcase (which has some wear at one corner). Podeschi D164. Item #13432
Price: $100.00