Our interest in the life and works of Charles Dickens has run for many years. Family members began collecting his works, culminating in our main focus and specialism being in arguably the most important writer of fiction of the C19th.

Cove Rare Books commenced trading with the purchase and sale of a fine selection of Dickens first editions. Some time later we were offered for purchase a beautiful collection of his novels, each sporting a cloth binding. The simple binding of cloth may seem less than exciting to some, but when one looks into the history and importance of the publisher's original cloth bindings (the author's preferred choice of binding), they become an altogether more thrilling prospect.

The books were secured and we set about studying each binding in detail. Our research led us to the study of Walter E. Smith and his wonderful work Charles Dickens in the Original Cloth. Smith's comprehensive bibliography of each of Dickens's works enabled us to describe the bindings in detail; identifying them as original and therefore extremely sought after by discerning Dickens enthusiasts and general bibliophiles alike.

Using Smith's work as a basis, we have compiled a more thorough study which covers original cloth bindings, original parts and book form editions.

We have since handled thousands of rare and fine first editions and original parts - including original cloth-bound Great Expectations, A Tale of two Cities, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, etc, and we offer a wealth of experience and an unrivaled eye for detail.

Please browse our archived selection of some of the Dickens volumes we have sold, and this will give you an indication of the quality and rarity of books we are able to source.



Should you wish to discuss this area of collecting further, or if you have volumes you may be interested in selling, then please do not hesitate to contact us.