David Copperfield.

Charles Dickens.

David Copperfield.

London:

Bradbury and Evans,

1849–1850.

Gift of Hans-Ulrich Scharnberg.

David Copperfield was issued in 20 parts in 19 pictorial wrappers (the final part being a double number). Each part typically contained two engravings and sold for a shilling, except for the last double part, priced at two shillings. The parts usually contained ads, ranging from Gowland’s Lotion to wigs, overcoats, and mattresses. Issuing books in parts was not new to the 19th century, but it was a popular practice, allowing publishers to distribute their total production cost over time while receiving income along the way. Readers paid for books in smaller financial installments.

From the collection of Rare Book School