A DICKENS FRIENDSHIP Told in His Own Letters. With Notes by W. M.

[Dickens, Charles. 1812 - 1870]. Meynell, Wilfrid [1852 - 1948]. Thompson, T. J.; Weller, Chtistina

Published by Privately Printed, (n. p.), 1931

About this Item

[4], 66, [2] pp. Letters printed letterpress, recto only. Meynell's occasional commentary printed verso, opposite the letter in question. 8vo. 10-1/4" x 6-1/2" Dickens, at the mature age of 32, was enraptured with young Christana Weller, not yet 19, on him first hearing her efforts at the piano, while attending a reception at the Liverpool Mechanic's Institution, February 1844. Herein are letters, primarily from the mid-1840s, documenting his future relationship with the "god-child of whom he was proud". Christina would marry Dickens' friend, T. J. Thompson, with their daughter, Alice, becoming Mrs Wilfrid Meynell. Weller's sister, Anna, would be the future bride of Frederic Dickens, Charles' younger brother. NB. This is the first publication of these letters, about which Meynell states, "Long has the world of readers given him [Dickens] their admiration as an author; and now at last these Letters we know him as a man greatly loving, and therefore greatly to be loved." Uncommon piece of Dickensiana, first time we've been able to offer a copy. Minor wear & soiling, age-toning. A VG+ copy in a VG chemise. Parchment wrappers, with printed paper title label to front cover. Grey cloth chemise, with gilt stamped title lettering to one edge 1st Edition, Limited to 75 copies. Not in Gimbel.

Seller Inventory # 51373

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A DICKENS FRIENDSHIP Told in His Own Letters. With Notes by W. M.
• Publisher: Privately Printed, (n. p.)
• Publication Date: 1931
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Seller catalogs:
  • Dickens