A Rogue's Life

London. Richard Bentley and Son. 1879. Bound in original Publisher's decorated and gilt tiled red cloth. In custom slipcase. 8vo. 4.5"x7". The First Edition. All appropriate points are present in this copy. Sadleir:604 , Parrish: Pg. 109. 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 (truncated) 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. (Inventory #: 8836)