20 parts in 19. Illustrated with 40 plates by Hablot K. Browne ("Phiz"), including 10 "dark plates" (some of the plates are reproduced by lithographic transfers from the steels, as well as from the etchings - See Hatton & Cleaver, p.276). 8¾x5¾, original blue wrappers with woodcut design by Browne; together housed in a custom green cloth chemise & sliding (from top) two-part green morocco box with gilt-lettered spine. First Edition.
Contains the following variations from the collation of advertisements listed by Hatton & Cleaver: Part I, lacks W. Mott ad (2 pp.) & Norton's Camomile Pills ad (4 pp.); Part II, lacks pp. 3-6 of David Bogue ads, lacks "Notice of Removal" slip; Part III, lacks Crochet Cotton slip; Part V, Household Words slip is dark green; Part VI, Household Words slip is dark green, lacks Virtue, Hall and Virtue ads (4pp), lacks Crochet Cotton slip; Part VII, lacks Marsland, Son & Co. slip; Part VIII, lacks Crochet Cotton slip; Part X, lacks Crochet Cotton slip; Part XI, lacks Kayes' Worsdell's Pills slip; Part XIII, lacks Grace Aguilar's Works slip and lacks rear cover; Part XIV, lacks New Geographical and Educational Works ad (2 pp.); Part XV, with Village Pastor slip (8 pp.); Part XVII first signature with front cover nearly detached; Part XVIII, lacks People's Edition of Alison's History slip; Parts 19/20, lacks John Cassell's Publications ad (16 pp.). Hatton & Cleaver p.275-304.
Condition:
Chipping to most of the spines, occasional ink marks/owner's signature, short tears to edges, 9 covers with early rubberstamp of J. Walmsley Stationer (Liverpool); Part XIII lacks rear cover, scattered soiling, some wear most of the plates (extra darkening/spots); good to very good.