A decent (very good plus) copy. First edition, second state, with end advert for new edition of Oliver Twist. Repair to lower left spine. Some bumping/rubbing to cover. Slightly cocked. Front hinge split but reasonably firm. Internally sound, with age-fading round the edges of the pages, but no foxing. 174+2 pages, gilt-edged. $185 (+ $20 airmail and insurance) 

This is the  third of Dickens's five Christmas books.  John Peerybingle is much younger than his wife Dot and becomes worried that she may be having an affair. He consults the spirit of the cricket on the hearth, which Dot has said brings luck and is reassured that all will be well. Dickens took up the theme in David Copperfield, where Dr. Strong nurses similar doubts about his much younger wife.

                                                                                                                                         

A very good copy. First edition, fourth state vignette, but with two of the three textual flaws associated with the second state. These are the missing full stop (period) after the page title heading on pages 168 and 50. The third second state textual flaw (the missing "9" on page 169) has been corrected, making this a mixed state copy. The spine and cover are a little faded, with some cracking along the edges of the spine. Hinges cracked, the front one a little tender, but basically firm. Some rubbing and wear to corners. Slightly cocked. Altogether an acceptable but not outstanding copy. The mixed state issue points will no doubt be of interest to  hardcore Dickens collectors. 175 + 2 pages, gilt-edged. $185 (+ $20 airmail and insurance)  The story focuses on the cynical Dr. Jeddler, whose daughters make sacrifices in love which lead him to a change of heart. The character of Clemency Newcome strongly resembles Clare Peggotty in David Copperfield.