Household Words - A Weekly Journal by Charles Dickens, 1850-1859 19 Volumes Complete: Contains HARD TIMES, 1st Edition (serialized, complete)

This is a complete 19 Volume set of "HOUSEHOLD WORDS" - A Weekly Journal by Charles Dickens. The volumes span the years 1850 (Volume I) to 1859 (Volume XIX). The significance of this set is that Volume IX contains the 1st appearance of the Dickens classic "HARD TIMES" (please see photos). "Hard Times was first published serially in "Household Words" in the April 1, 1854 issue (volume IX), followed shortly thereafter by the 1st edition in book form in the same year. Seldom found complete in 19 Volumes.

"Household Words" was an English weekly magazine edited by Charles Dickens and was published every Saturday from March 1850 to May 1859. This set contains 19 hardcover volumes which contain the complete run of individual issues. To boost slumping sales, Dickens serialized his classic novel "Hard Times" in weekly parts between April 1st and August 12th 1854. It had the desired effect, more than doubling the journal's circulation and encouraging Dickens, who remarked that he was "three parts mad, and the fourth delirious, with perpetual rushing at Hard Times."

Condition:
Overall the set is in terrific condition with only light wear as would be expected. The most notable condition flaw with this set is that the front cover of Volume III is present, but detached; also, there is a 1" area on the spine of volumes III and XVI where the leather has flaked off (please see photo #1)...otherwise the set is in great condition with only expected wear. The pages are in overall excellent condition with only occasional foxing. Some volumes have a name written in pen on the front end paper. The volumes are tightly bound. Partial crack at front hinge of Volume XI...no other cracks found. The set has a light musty odor. Overall a great condition complete set