The Count of Monte Christo (Cristo) by Alexandre Dumas - 1846

Belfast; London: Simms and M'Intyre; W. S. Orr and Co; [Simms and McIntyre], 1846. First edition. Leather. Very Good. 6.5" by 4". None. The first edition of 'The Count of Monte Cristo' in English, an impressive publication translated here by Emma Hardy, a very scare and sought after set of two volumes. The first edition of this work in the English language. This was the first time the work had been published as an unabridged translation in English, translated by Emma Hardy.In two volumes: Volume I starts with the chapter 'Italy: Sinbad the Sailor' and ends with 'The Office of the Procureur du Roi'. Volume II starts with the chapter 'A Summer Ball' and ends with 'The Fifth of October', concluding the novel.A first volume entitled 'Chataeu d'If' was published prior to these two volumes, in March 1846, being the first appearance of the novel unabridged in English anywhere. These two volumes, containing the rest of the novel, were published as 'The Count of Monte Christo, Being a Sequel to 'The Chataeu d'If'. These two volumes were published in September and October 1846 respectively. All of these Simms and McIntyre volumes are scarce. In 1846 Chapman and Hall also published an illustrated English edition in London. This Chapman publication, anonymously translated, it more common to find than the Belfast/Emma Hardy one.The two publishers, Simms and Chapman, scrambled to try and be the first to publish their own English translation. Emma Hardy was the first wife of the notable Thomas Hardy.Bound without the 'parlour novelists' half titles. In a half calf binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart. LIght bumping to the extremities. Some light rubbing to the boards and spines, a little light marking to the paper to the boards. Spines are lightly discoloured. Small amount of loss to the front joint of Volume I. Spine label to Volume I states Volume II, and visa versa. Light surface cracks to the spines. Ink splatter to the rear board of Volume II, and to the top and fore edge of Volume II. Prior owner's ink note to the recto of the front free endpaper of Volume I. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age toned and clean with only the occasional spot. Title page of Volume I with a closed tear. Prior owner's ink inscription to the head of the title pages. Small damp stain to pages 18-23 of Volume II. Very Good