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A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (International Collectors Library Edition), Undated ⚜️📜🏛️

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (International Collectors Library Edition), Undated ⚜️📜🏛️

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1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a decorative edition of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Published as part of the International Collectors Library series, this is an undated edition from the mid-20th century.


2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. The narrative juxtaposes the cities of London and Paris. This decorative edition has an ornate gold-embossed coverand high-quality binding.


3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English novelist and social critic. His novels were originally published in serial form. Dickens was a master of characterization and his work addressed social issues.


4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

The novel was published in 1859. The story is set in the 1790s, and the book portrays the chaos of the revolution. Dickens’s portrayal of the "Reign of Terror" was influenced by Thomas Carlyle's historical work on the subject.

The universal themes of justice, oppression, and revolution resonated with the public during the Victorian era.


5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is for a collector who seeks aesthetic beauty. It is an acquisition for a collector of classic literature, decorative bindings, or a home decorator. This edition appeals to those who are interested in a book's decorative qualities over its first-printing status.


6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

International Collectors Library editions are not rare as they were mass-produced. This specific volume holds value for its well-preserved decorative state. Its rarity is Decorative/Market Grade. The presence of the original paper advertisement and the ex libris sticker makes this a unique acquisition. The value is in its condition and its status as a complete, mid-century decorative piece.


7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This volume is in good vintage condition.

  • The cover, with its 24k gold embossing, remains vibrant.

  • The binding is tight.

  • The pages are clean and intact.

  • There is minor scuffing on the cover.

  • There are normal signs of toning.


8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

  • The opening lines of A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," are among the most famous in literature.

  • The International Collectors Library was a book club known for its ornamental bindings.

  • This specific book contains a unique ex libris sticker and an original paper advertisement.


9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

  • Title: A Tale of Two Cities

  • Author/Maker: Charles Dickens

  • Year: Undated (c. mid-20th Century)

  • Publisher/Foundry: International Collectors Library

  • Place of Origin: New York, USA

  • Format/Binding: Hardcover, Decorative, Embossed

  • Edition: Undated Club Edition

  • Rarity: Decorative/Market Grade

  • Transcription: This book contains an ex libris sticker on the front pastedown, which reads: "Donald B. Slivka"

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