The 290-lot New York sale is estimated to be worth $1.5m and will feature many leading novels as they were originally published: in serialised form.
Although producing a book in parts over several months began in England around 1700, the idea went out of fashion. It was not until the 1830s that Dickens popularised the method.
He planned his novels in 19 or 20 sections. This technique allowed him to write and publish a chapter a month, and explains why his works are such page turners.
Relatively few serialised versions remain - the Victorians were seemingly content to throw them out upon the eventual publication of the complete book - which is excellent news for investors looking for profit potential.
|
The sale also includes a rare complete collection of all Anthony Trollope's novels published in parts, 12 works by George Elliot including several in parts, and 25 publications by Thackeray.
Tom Lamb, of Bonhams' book, map and manuscript department, says the collection is "a rare case of adoration for the original form".
A serialised version of Mrs Beeton's Household Management is also up for grabs, evidence that the promise of hashed partridge and "Useful soup for benevolent purposes" guaranteed sales in Victorian Britain.
- Click here to view our Books & Manuscripts stock items for sale
- Learn how you can get pleasure and profit by investing in rare books
- Read all the latest Books & Manuscripts news
Join our readers in over 200 countries around the world - sign up for your free weekly Collectibles Newsletter today