The MYSTERY Of EDWIN DROOD

London: Chapman & Hall, 1870. First edition, BFTP (Eckel p. 96; Smith I, 16). With a Dickens AN, on Gadshill letterhead, plus the original addressed envelope for same. Later tan half calf binding with marbled paper boards. TEG. Original blue printed wrappers, plus Drood Advertisers bound-in at rear [Part II & Part III front wrappers serve as front & rear fixed eps, respectively]. Some rubs to spine & extremities. Occasional light foxing & period newspaper clipping affixed to rear blank. Bookplate of William Hardcastle. A solid VG copy.. vii, [1], 190, [2] pp. Adverts last 2 pp. Frontis & 12 inserted B&W plates by Luke Fildes (corner stain to half, just touching image portion of plate). 8vo. 9" [scant] x 5-3/4"

With a tipped-in, apparently unpublished autograph note by the author, in the third person, on Gad's Hill Place letterhead, dated Monday, Twelfth October, 1860 (63?): "In reply to Mr Donnell's letter, Mr Charles Dickens begs to wish him all success. If Mr Dickens should have an opportunity of recommending him (which he fears is not very likely) he will most gladly do so, remembering Mr Donnell for a good many years as one of the most obliging and attentive of Mr Truefitt's assistants". With accompanying envelope addressed to Donnell and small press cutting opposite, stating that Donnell had shaved the Duke of Connaught in the early seventies and that this was incorrect as Donnell was not a barber, but a wig maker and perfumer.