Here is a comprehensive summary of the article about Charles Lamb's Essays of Elia:

Charles Lamb's Essays of Elia, a highly celebrated collection, was first published in book form in 1823, following initial appearances in The London Magazine from 1820 to 1825. Lamb wrote under the charming pseudonym "Elia," a name adopted from a former Italian colleague, while his sister Mary featured as "Cousin Bridget." These essays are renowned for their personal and conversational tone, which quickly established Lamb as "the most delightful of English essayists" throughout the 19th century.

A second volume, Last Essays of Elia, was released in 1833 by Edward Moxon, though an American edition from Philadelphia surprisingly predated it by five years in 1828 due to the absence of international copyright laws. Lamb's work, influenced by writers like Sir Thomas Browne, often drew from his life experiences, memories, and fondness for stage drama. Among the most admired pieces are "Dream-Children; A Reverie" and "Old China," which perfectly showcase his reflective and engaging prose.