First Edition, in the primary binding, first issue with verso of the contents leaf incorrectly numbered "xvi". A fine association copy, inscribed by Dickens to his close friend, the painter Daniel Maclise on the half-title in volume one: "Daniel Maclise From his friend Charles Dickens Eighteenth October 1842," one day prior to its official publication. Maclise was one of the first of his closest friends that Dickens went to visit after returning from his tiring trip to America in 1842. After an excited greeting from his children, Dickens dashed off to see William Macready, then quickly to John Forster. Forster was dining out, but he "guessed at once what [his interruption] was when Dickens drove there and sent up word that a gentleman wished to speak to him. Forster came flying out of the house, leaped into the carriage, and began to cry, and did not remember until they had driven several miles on their way to see Maclise that he had left his hat behind him" (Johnson, Charles Dickens, 1952, p.428). A reunion dinner the following week included Maclise as one of the featured guests, along with Forster, Macready, Cruikshank and Cattermole. Both slightly before and after this period, Maclise was completing his portraits of Dickens's children. After the reunions subsided, Dickens began work on American Notes and borrowed back from his closest correspondents, including Maclise, letters that he had written during this journey, using them in the writing of the book. Later that summer, a visit from Longfellow prompted Dickens to lead the visiting author on a lurid tour of London's criminal slums. The two were accompanied by Forster and Maclise (and two officers for good measure). Maclise was appalled by the conditions at the Mint lodginghouses, unable to subject himself to the conditions within. Several months later, American Notes was published, and this copy was inscribed for Maclise the day before its official publication.
2 volumes, 8vo (197 × 126 mm). Original reddish-brown cloth, decorated in blind, gilt-lettered on spine. Half-titles, advertisement leaf at front of vol. 1, 6-page advertisements at end of vol. 2. Provenance: Daniel Maclise (1806–1870), Irish painter (presentation inscription from the author); Kenyon Starling (bookplate); thence by gift to William E. Self. Spines and board edges slightly darkened, some light wear to joints, an excellent copy.
