Uncommon in original cloth binding, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction was a weekly and later a monthly anthology-like publication featuring a variety of essays, articles, and illustrations. Originally published in the early 19th century, it reflected the interests and societal aspects of the time, particularly during the Victorian era. Its aim was to provide both amusement and education, addressing diverse topics from local history and customs to literary critiques and reflections on contemporary events. This scarce volume contains a compilation of over 700 pieces of prose and verse and 70 engravings from the publications, published and bound as one book.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
In fair condition. Red blind stamped boards decoratively embossed to front and rear, bumped to corners, a little soiled. Attractive gilt embossed spine panel chipped to top and tail, a little brittle and beginnings of a split lengthways. Text block edges gilt. Rear of book entirely cracked over gutter between pp.2 and pp.3 of index revealing binding but otherwise holding. Beginning to crack over front gutter. Text block a little shaken to middle. Front loose endpaper contains affectionate handwritten gift inscription to Dora Adamson from her nephew James Christopher Grant Kingsley, a Captain from the Cape Mounted Rifles, ‘Halfway between London and Gravesend Wednesday October 27th 1847’. Frontispiece by G Cattermole protected by original tissue guard in good condition. Contains a compilation of over 700 pieces of prose and verse and 70 b/w full page and half page engravings. 424 pp. followed by 4 pp. index.
