Charles Dickens The Haunted Man and The Ghost's Bargain 1849 First American Edition – Harper & Brothers

The Haunted Man and The Ghost's Bargain: A Fancy for Christmas-Time
Charles Dickens | First American Edition | Harper & Brothers | 1849

An early and collectible First American Edition of The Haunted Man and The Ghost's Bargain, Charles Dickens's fifth and final Christmas book, published by Harper & Brothers in New York in 1849.

Originally published in England in December 1848, The Haunted Man explores themes of memory, forgiveness, suffering, and redemption. The story follows a chemistry professor who accepts a supernatural bargain to forget his painful memories, only to discover the importance of remembering both sorrow and happiness.

This American edition was published shortly after the original English release and represents an important example of Dickens's nineteenth-century American publishing history.

Printed in double columns, the publication contains 34 numbered pages of text, along with original publisher's advertisements. A preliminary advertisement promotes Dickens's other Christmas books, including A Christmas Carol, The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, and The Battle of Life.

The final double-sided advertisement leaf features Harper & Brothers' educational publications, including Professor Anthon's series of classical schoolbooks.

The original pamphlet is preserved separately within a later hardcover protective portfolio, finished in dark gray paper with a contrasting cloth spine and an applied printed identification label.

An appealing addition to a collection of Charles Dickens, Victorian literature, early American editions, or nineteenth-century Christmas publications.

Publication Details

• Title: The Haunted Man and The Ghost's Bargain: A Fancy for Christmas-Time
• Author: Charles Dickens
• Publisher: Harper & Brothers
• Publication: New York, 1849
• Publisher's Address: 82 Cliff Street
• Edition: First American Edition
• Format: Original paper publication, double-column printing
• Pagination: 34 numbered pages, plus publisher's advertisements
• Binding: Original pamphlet housed loose within a later hardcover protective portfolio

Condition

Good antique condition.

The original publisher's paper wrappers are missing. The surviving pamphlet retains its original title page, 34 pages of double-column text, and publisher's advertisements.

The title page exhibits age-related toning, scattered spotting, and wear along the spine edge, including small areas of paper loss. The interior pages show age-related discoloration and occasional spotting consistent with a publication of this age. The printed text remains clear and legible.

The text block is secure, with no loose or detached sections.

The pamphlet is housed loose within a separate hardcover protective portfolio covered in dark gray paper with a contrasting cloth spine and an applied printed identification label. The portfolio is not attached to the original publication, which has not been rebound.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and show the exact antique publication and protective portfolio being offered.

eBay Condition Statement

First American Edition, Harper & Brothers, New York, 1849. Good antique condition. Original publisher's paper wrappers are missing. Title page shows age toning, scattered spotting, and wear with minor paper loss along the spine edge. Interior pages exhibit age-related discoloration and occasional spotting. Text remains clear and legible. Complete with 34 numbered pages of double-column text and publisher's advertisements. Text block is secure, with no loose or detached sections. The original pamphlet has not been rebound and rests loose within a later dark gray hardcover protective portfolio with cloth spine and printed identification label. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and show the exact item being offered.