A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Illustrated by Harvey Dunn, [n.d.]

Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. Philadelphia: David McKay Company, [n.d.]. Illustrated by Harvey Dunn. Later printing. Large octavo. In the publisher’s original black cloth boards, with full color pastedown and gilt stamped border, titled in gilt on the spine, illustrated endpapers. Ten full color full page illustrations, including frontispiece. With a new archival slipcase with front inlay. 

Presented is an undated, 20th century printing of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. This later printing was published in Philadelphia by David McKay Company and is distinguished by its illustrations by Harvey Dunn. It is presented in the publisher’s original black cloth boards, with full color pastedown and gilt stamped border, titled in gilt on the spine. The volume is housed in a new archival cloth slipcase, with inlay. 

A Tale of Two Cities is Charles Dickens' great historical romance, set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. It was first serialized in the weekly journal All the Year Round, from April 30, 1859 to November 26, 1859, before being published as a novel in November of that same year. More than 150 years later, it remains one of Dickens’ most celebrated works, distinguished by its iconic opening line: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity..." 

The novel, which contrasts events in London and Paris during the French Revolution, drew inspiration from Thomas Carlyle's historical account of the period. A complex narrative exploring themes of duality, national and individual identity, selfishness and selflessness, love and sacrifice, A Tale of Two Cities has sold over 200 million copies and continues to be one of the most widely read novels in history. It has inspired numerous adaptations in opera, musicals, and film, including a 1935 Best Picture nominee.

Artist Harvey Dunn (1884-1952) was born on a homestead in rural South Dakota and spent his early years immersed in the landscape and experiences of prairie life, themes that would later inform much of his artistic work. He initially attended the South Dakota Agricultural College but soon left to pursue formal artistic training at the Art Institute of Chicago. From 1904 to 1906, he studied under the influential illustrator Howard Pyle in Wilmington, Delaware, whose emphasis on narrative clarity and pictorial storytelling had a lasting impact on Dunn’s approach to illustration. After completing his studies, Dunn opened a nearby studio in Wilmington and began building a successful career as a commercial illustrator. His first book illustration commission came in 1906 for Dead Men Tell No Tales, and he soon produced work for many of the leading American periodicals of the day, including Scribner’s, Harper’s, Collier’s Weekly, Century, and Outing. The Saturday Evening Post became an especially important outlet for his work, ultimately publishing more than 250 of his illustrations.

Dunn moved in 1914 to Leonia, New Jersey, where he maintained close contact with publishers in nearby New York City. In 1915 he co-founded the Leonia School of Illustration with artist Charles S. Chapman. During the First World War, Dunn joined the United States Army art program in 1918 as a captain and was sent to France as one of eight official war artists attached to the American Expeditionary Forces. Working close to the front lines, he produced powerful images that conveyed the immediacy and violence of modern combat. After returning to the United States in 1919, he opened a studio and art school in New Jersey and continued to paint subjects inspired by his wartime experiences, while also teaching hundreds of students. Dunn later taught at the Grand Central School of Art, Pratt Institute, and the Art Students League, influencing many prominent illustrators of the twentieth century. His contributions to American art were recognized through his election to the National Academy of Design and his induction into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame.

CONDITION:

Very good + condition. Later printing. Large octavo. In the publisher’s original black cloth boards, with full color pastedown and gilt stamped border, titled in gilt on the spine. Bumping and wear to cloth edges and corners, with minimal fraying of cloth. Faint scratches, minor chips and creases on the illustrated pastedown. Rebacked, saving original front and back boards and spine. The gilt titles on the spine are faded. Original illustrated endpapers. Paper is healthy, with even moderate toning. Very clean pages, without marks or smudges. Previous owner’s inked inscription “This book belongs to Hugh Flournoy” on front free end paper. Ten full color full page illustrations, including frontispiece. Illustration color bright. 362 pp. With a new archival slipcase with front inlay. 

Book Dimensions: 9 1/2" H x 7 3/8" W x 1 5/8" D.

Slipcase Dimensions: 9 5/8" H x 7 5/8" W x 2 1/8 D.

Accompanied by our company’s letter of authenticity.