A Rogue's Life.
London. Richard Bentley and Son. 1879. The First Edition. All appropriate points are present in this copy. Sadleir:604 , Parrish: Pg. 109. 8vo. 4.5"x7". Bound in original Publisher's decorated and gilt tiled red cloth. In custom slipcase.
A Rogue's Life was originally published in Household Words during 1856. It was republished in book form in 1879 after an invitation from George Bentley 'to take a place in his new series of pretty volumes in red.' Collins made minor changes to the text and noted in some 'Introductory Words' that it was written 'at a very happy time in my past life...at Paris, when I had Charles Dickens for a near neighbour and a daily companion.' He also revealed that he had intended, but never written, a further series of the Rogue's adventures in Australia. The theme of picture forgery, and the character of Frank Softly, were probably inspired by Memoirs of a Picture, written by Collins's grandfather, William Collins Senior. The Scotch marriage of Frank and Alicia anticipates Collins's later attack on marriage laws in Man and Wife (1870). Andrew Gasson - Wilkie Collins - An Illustrated Guide.
Covers moderately soiled and rubbed. Very slightly rolled.Neat instance of prior spine crack repair at pg. 1. A crisp, Very Good copy.
Item #8836
Price: $1,200.00