Sketches by Boz - The Works of Charles Dickens - H.A.M. Roelants, Schiedam 1882

Schetsen van Boz (Sketches of Boz) is a Dutch-language edition of the early work of Charles Dickens (1812-1870), published by H.A.M. Roelants in Schiedam, presumably around 1882.

The original English stories appeared in 1836 and 1837 under the title Sketches by Boz. The work belongs to Dickens' earliest publications and consists of short stories and descriptions of daily life, in which his interest in human idiosyncrasies, social differences, and city life is already clearly evident.

This Dutch edition is part of the illustrated series De Werken van Charles Dickens (The Works of Charles Dickens). The translation was provided by Mrs. Van Westrheene and C.M. Mensing. The book contains wood engravings after drawings by the British illustrator Frederick Barnard, who is known for his illustrations of Dickens' work.

Particularly attractive is the original appearance of the reddish-brown cloth binding. The front cover is richly decorated with black ornaments, floral motifs, and gold-colored decorations. The combination of classic typography and elaborate cover decoration gives the book a distinctly nineteenth-century character.

The copy is in a clearly used antiquarian condition. The binding shows wear at the edges, corners, and spine, with damage at the bottom. The interior has largely detached from the binding, although the text block itself still appears reasonably sturdy. The paper shows age-related discoloration and signs of use. The text and illustrations have, as far as could be determined, been preserved.

An attractive nineteenth-century book for enthusiasts of Charles Dickens, illustrated literature, and decorative Victorian bookbindings.

Specifications

• Title: Schetsen van Boz
• Original title: Sketches by Boz
• Author: Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
• Series: De Werken van Charles Dickens, geïllustreerde uitgaaf
• Publisher: H.A.M. Roelants
• Place of publication: Schiedam
• Date: c. 1880-1890, presumably around 1882
• Translation: Mrs. Van Westrheene and C.M. Mensing
• Illustrations: Wood engravings after drawings by F. Barnard
• Language: Dutch
• Genre: Literature, short stories and social sketches
• Binding: Bound hardcover
• Cover: Reddish-brown cloth with black ornaments and gold-colored decoration
• Height: approx. 26 cm
• Thickness: approx. 1.5 cm
• Period: Late 19th century
• Condition details: Wear and damage to spine and corners, interior largely detached from the binding, age-related discoloration
• Origin: Netherlands