First edition, of which this is one of twenty limited edition copies with over a 130 extra illustrations (many india proofs, steel plate engravings & etchings), 16 of which are hand-colored, five illustrations of the author and Kitton, and signed by the author William R. Hughes. Additionally, this copy is inscribed by the author to Dickens' publisher, Frederick Chapman, as well as comes extra adorned with 7 A.L.s. by George Augustus Sala, Douglas Jerrold, George Hogarth, Dante G. Rossetti, Charles Roach Smith, Mark Lemon, and John Ruskin. Also adorned is a CDV signed by Rev. Dr. Wordsworth, Bishop of London.

Although the binder is unknown, this copy is expertly bound in a signed Guild of Women-Binders' binding in full green morocco with stamped borders in guilt, with Charles Dickens' bookplate design of a lion holding a star stamped in gilt on the front cover above 'C.D.' Five raised bands with gilt borders in all six compartments, with the second, forth, and sixth compartments having red morocco under the title, author, and date in gilt of both volumes. Leather turn-ins over marbled paper pastedowns, Guild of Women-Binders stamp on the lower turn-in of both volumes. Marbled free endpapers. Purple cloth covered boards chemise housed in half-morocco and purple cloth covered boards slipcases with cloth pull-tags. Five raised bands along spine, with the title, volume number, author, 'extra illustrated', place of publication, and date stamped in gilt. Books are tight and bright, with the edges of the morocco boards showing only the slightest hint of wear, which proves that the chemise and slipcase really did an outstanding job of protecting the books. The chemises and slipcases are in good condition, with some sunning, scuffs, and wear to the spines.

Incredibly well-written account of travels by the author and fellow Dickensian, Frederic George Kitton, through areas of Kent (UK) that inspired and shaped Dickens and his writings.