The Van Diemen's Land Edition of the Pickwick Papers – A Bibliographical Study | Clifford Craig | 1973 | Limited Edition No. 24/150 [USED – HCDJ – Very Good]

Clifford Craig's bibliographical study of one of the most extraordinary episodes in early Australian publishing — the unauthorised "pirated" Van Diemen's Land edition of Charles Dickens's The Pickwick Papers, printed in Launceston by Henry Dowling between 1838 and 1839, while Dickens's original London serial publication was still being released.

Dowling capitalised on the colony's huge appetite for Dickens by releasing his own edition in parts, and later a single bound volume complete with locally produced lithographed illustrations copied from the original "Phiz" plates.

It is regarded as one of the most sought-after items by collectors of Australian printing history and of Dickens internationally. Craig's study, published in 1973, traces the full bibliographic history of Dowling's edition in scholarly detail — essential reading for collectors of early Tasmanian printing and for Dickens collectors seeking to understand this remarkable colonial piracy.

This subject sits close to The Book Cellar's Campbell Town heart. James Hamilton's store in Campbell Town was one of the few establishments in Van Diemen's Land where Dowling's serial — and later the bound volume — was stocked and promoted, alongside outlets in Hobart and Launceston. Craig's study includes correspondence from Dowling to Hamilton (20 & 25 June 1838), discussing the quantity of stock required and noting that Dowling was having flyers printed to be sent to Hamilton by coach, both for sale in his store and for display in Campbell Town's inns — so this may even have included Foxhunters Return, the very building The Book Cellar now operates from.

This copy is numbered 24 of a limited edition of 150.

CONDITION

• Used, very good condition.
• Previous owner's details written in the front.
• Light foxing to outer edge of page block.
• A small slub in the front cloth cover from the production process. See photos for detail.

BOOK DETAILS

• Hardcover with dust jacket.
• Numbered limited edition: 24 of 150.
• Published 1973.

DELIVERY & IN-STORE PICKUP

**Combined Shipping:** Sourcing multiple titles for your Tasmaniana collection? The Book Cellar offers combined flat-rate parcel delivery across Australia. Secure your books using our online checkout, or phone the bookshop directly on 03 6381 1545 to coordinate multi-volume shipping.

**Free Instore Pickup:** Located in Tasmania or travelling the Midland Highway? Select "Instore Pickup" at checkout to pay no postage and collect your items directly from the counter at The Book Cellar, underneath Foxhunters Return in Campbell Town.