DUMAS, Alexandre. The Count of Monte Christo… a Romance, illustrated. London: E. Smith, [n.d. but circa 1846.] 4to (279 x 216mm.) Numerous illustrations (Creasing to the title.) Later red morocco (inner joint entirely cracked and upper board held by the spine cover only, bumped to all extremities, p.39-46 now loose). Note: this text retains the early printing of 'H' in the title of Cristo and '24th February' in the first line suggesting that it is a translation based on the first edition in French. Dumas' novel was hugely popular in France and amidst the race among English publishers to translate the novel rumours began to circulate about its possible erotic content. COPAC shows no trace of this 'Fleet Street' publisher so it's likely that this is a pirate copy of that early edition.