A Tale of Two Cities (First Edition with a Signed Letter)

First Edition in Book Form/First Issue with all points present (p.213 misnumbered 113, list of plates with "b" at bottom); Autograph Letter SIGNED by Dickens to author Percy Fitzgerald recommending a title for Fitzgerald's upcoming book ("The Doctor's Mixture"), on Gad's Hill stationary and dated 4/4/1870. The Morgan Library records a follow up letter on the same subject dated May of 1870. A Very Good to Near Fine copy, rebound by the renowned bookbinders Sangorski and Sutcliffe of London, with final lines of the novel in gilt, encircling the upper cover in a decoratively ruled border; publisher's red cloth covers and spine bound in. An extraordinary presentation (truncated) of one of the all time classic works of literature; signed Dickens pieces with association and provenance are scarce in today's marketplace.
This copy is in very good to near fine condition with light rubbing and age-toning to the board edges and front board; a few small tears are present to the page edges at pages 2, 131, 212, and the bottom of the engraved title page; top page corners lightly bumped for first 50 or so pages; scattered small age-spots throughout text; plate at p. 136 has a repaired short tear; rear free papers slightly loose; and ribbon marker mildly frayed at bottom. Overall, a highly presentable and collectible piece; an important addition to any classic literature library. (Inventory #: 3995)