The Uncommercial Traveller.
London: Chapman & Hall Limited [c.1881]. Printed by J. S. Virtue and Co., Limited, City Road.
 
A finely bound late Victorian edition of Charles Dickens’ wandering, observational essays, originally written as periodical pieces, and gathered here in a richly illustrated and attractively produced volume. With 16 full-page illustrations and pictorial title, all present.
 
This edition bears the imprint of Chapman & Hall Limited, the publisher’s name used after its 1881 incorporation, and was printed by J. S. Virtue and Co., a firm known to have operated under this name until the late 1880s. Together, these details strongly suggest a publication date of circa 1881, a period when the demand for Dickens' collected works in decorative formats was especially high.
 
Half bound in calf with marbled paper-covered boards, featuring raised bands, gilt decoration, and gilt-lettered title panels to the spine. A visually striking copy that retains its Victorian charm. An ex-libris plate is affixed to the front pastedown, suggesting early private ownership and care.
 
Internally complete with all 362 pages, and the full complement of illustrations. There are uncut pages from the contents to page vii, a sign of careful preservation. Pages are overall very clean and neat, with only the occasional small fold, light crease, or minor mark, none of which affects legibility. Binding remains sound and tight.
 
A highly collectible edition of one of Dickens’ most personal and meandering works, part travelogue, part social observation, enhanced by the quality of its illustrations and the enduring character of its binding.
 
Condition Report:
Binding remains tight and square. The spine shows some wear, including rips towards the top edges and a few small splits along the long joints. Leather shows rubbing at bands and edges, with a few scuffs as expected. Corners and marbled boards show minor rubbing but retain good visual clarity. Half calf and marbled boards remain structurally sound.
 
All edges marbled, with matching marbled endpapers. Pages from the contents to page vii are uncut. There is an ex-libris plate neatly affixed to the front pastedown.
Internally, the contents are in very clean condition, with only the occasional small fold or light crease and a few tiny marks to a handful of pages, none of which affect the text. A small tear appears at the inner edge of the front free endpaper, and a few pages show very small edge rips, likely from rough opening of the uncut pages. There is also a tiny rubbed patch at the top edge of page 71, and a small area of rubbing to the reverse of the rear free endpaper, neither affecting legibility.
 
Endpapers and prelims show mild toning, with a minimal and very light crack in the gutter between the pastedowns and endpapers. Despite this, the volume remains solid and well-bound, with no loose pages.
 
Overall, a handsome and complete Victorian Dickens edition in very good condition, showing character-appropriate wear and retaining excellent presentation value.
 
Features
Author: Charles Dickens
Title: The Uncommercial Traveller
Date: Circa 1881
Illustrations: 16 full-page plates and  illustrated title page
Binding: Half calf with marbled paper-covered boards; gilt-decorated spine
Provenance: Ex-libris plate to front pastedown
Pagination: All 362 pages complete
Dimensions: Approx. 20 × 13.6 × 2.8 cm
Weight: 588g