PBC: 19th Century Illustration - Case Study (Charles Dickens)

The Illustration Archive (Oliver Twist, p.184) - http://illustrationarchive.cardiff.ac.uk/image/11014662824

According to the original text, it was published in London by Richard Bentley in New Burlington Street. The year of publication was 1838. Although Charles Dicken's is named as the book's author, underneath the name it reads, author of the 'Pickwick Papers'.

The text contains 16 images in total (in the third volume alone).

There is an image of a crest, titled, 'Henry Guy Riley', on page 2. This could indicate a dedication of acknowledgment to someone important.

On page 339, beneath 'THE END', it states that it was printed by Samuel Bentley. 

All of the images in this volume are signed by the illustrator, George Cruikshank, and have title descriptions below each image.

Page 8 shows an illustration titled, 'The Last Chance', which depicts Sikes' escape attempt towards the end of the book. It is curious that this illustration is included so early on in the book, particularly when the illustration is not used when the event actually occurs. Presumably, this was to evoke excitement from the audience and encourage them to read the book to the very end. It is worth noting that this illustration may have been included in it's 'proper place' when it was first published as part of a serial. In addition to this, certain aspects of the illustration have been…