Cricket on the Hearth: A Fairy Tale of Home

Guildford: Genesis Publications, 1981. Quarto. First edition of The Cricket on the Hearth in facsimile. Red hardcover volume. Ornate engravings and gilt lettering on the boards and spine. Marbled end papers. Comes in a fine red slipcase, decorated with gilt embellishments. Nine engravings from the original edition are included in this volume. As new. The original Cricket on the Hearth was released on 20 December 1845. Dickens had intended to take a break from his themes of social justice and instead create a story about the joys and beauty associated with home. He himself described the story as "domestic" and "quiet". Released just in time for Christmas, the book was a huge commercial success. In this volume, printed 136 years after the release of the original, introductions to the text by Andrew Sanders and Verlyn Klinkenborg are added. </p><p>This lovely facsimile also has an added association with a relative of Charles Dickens. The book is copy number two of 250 copies signed by Dickens' great-granddaughter, Monica Dickens. Monica was a prolific writer in her own right, and penned many books for both children and adults. A bookplate on the front free end paper identifies this volume as coming from the library of Andrew David, the Lieutenant Commander of the Royal Navy. A laid in card from the publisher thanks David for his help on the publishing of the volume 'Resolution' and wishes him a Merry Christmas. 1981