The Mystery of Edwin Drood

London: Chapman & Hall, 1870. First edition. Paperback. Very Good. 9.5" by 6.5". Samuel Luke Fields. The original six parts of 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood', the final unfinished work of Charles Dickens here in the original serialised parts. Complete in the six original parts - no more parts were published as Dickens died whilst writing.First issue, with the "eighteenpence" slip over the one shilling price to the front wrap of Part VI. Complete with all twelve plates called for, a well as a portrait frontispiece and engraved title page to Part VI.Collated; Part I lacks page 26/27 of the front advertisements and the four pages of adverts for 'Henry Brett' to the rear; Part III lacks all adverts to the rear besides the Chapman, Petter, and Galpin 'Publications' adverts; Part V lacking the eight pages of Chapman & Halls 'Recent Publication' adverts to the rear; and Part VI bound without the Wilcox and Gibbs advert 'Concerning Stitches' to the rear.The very scarce fragile advert for 'Cork Hats' to the rear of Part II is present but detached.In a custom cloth box, in a very good indeed condition.'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' was Dickens' final work, left unfinished upon his death in June 1870 - of the twelve instalments planned only these six had been written. As Dickens hadn't left a clear or detailed plan as to the continuation or resolution of the plot, the 'Mystery' was left unsolved.Charles Dickens is possibly the most well-known Victorian author, with his fifteen novels still being widely read and performed, as well as being studied in school and enjoyed by people of all ages. In the original publisher's paper wraps, in a custom cloth box. Externally, generally smart. A little edge wear to the wraps resulting in some chips as is usual, heavier to the backstrips. Some discolouration to the wraps and a few light handling marks. Front wrap of Part VI is detached but present. Prior owner's pencil note to the head of the front wrap of Part II, IV, V, and VI. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean with some spots, including to the plates. Portrait frontispiece to Part VI is detached but present. Cloth box with a few light parts, in a very good indeed condition. Very Good