This beautifully illustrated edition, part of the Oxford Illustrated Dickens collection, is in near fine condition. There is slight marking along the bottom edge of the pages. The dust jacket is also near fine, with brown cloth boards and bright gilt lettering on the spine. Marcus Clayton Stone was a prominent English painter and illustrator, celebrated for his historical and genre scenes, often depicting romantic and literary themes. Charles Dickens took a personal interest in Stone's career, treating him almost as an adopted son. Stone’s early work included illustrations for several of Dickens’s novels, most notably Our Mutual Friend (1864–65). He also contributed illustrations to original editions of Great Expectations. His style was known for its dramatic flair and sentimental, romantic imagery.