Shop rare books by Charles Dickens (1812–1870) with our selection of his first editions. Celebrated as the UK's pre-eminent 19th-century novelist, Dickens' unparalleled ability to craft worlds filled with memorable characters—ranging from the utterly despicable to the endearingly comic—has captivated readers for generations. His narratives, deeply rooted in the social injustices of the 19th century, draw from his own experiences of hardship and the fervent desire for social reform. The adversity Dickens faced, including his father's imprisonment for debt and his own childhood labour in a blacking factory, fuelled his literary creativity and prolific output.

Collecting first editions by Charles Dickens presents a unique challenge for enthusiasts. Specifically, his works, initially published in serialised parts, feature various unique characteristics and specific variations, known as issue points, the knowledge of which is essential for identifying each issue and edition. Additionally, these serialised editions often came with original advertisements, the arrangement and presence of which are crucial for collectors seeking the most authentic and complete versions of Dickens' publications.

The condition of first editions by Charles Dickens, particularly those in the original publisher’s cloth with the specific issue points, such as minor differences in cover designs, are of particular interest to collectors. Signed editions and association copies of key titles ascend to a rarity that commands significant value, reflecting the immense historical and cultural significance of Dickens' work.

Browse our selection of Charles Dickens' first editions for sale. One of our team visited the Charles Dickens Museum recently and uncovered fascinating insights into the author's life and work—discover their experience in the latest blog post.