1822 · London
by [Budden, Maria Elizabeth]; William Henry Brooke
London: J. Harris and Son, 1822. Very good plus.. Second edition, enlarged with dozens of engraved plates, of this popular history book for children, an 1820s greatest hits of great events. A compelling example of Georgian-era children's history written by Maria Elizabeth Budden — credited within as "M.E.B" and The Author of 'Always Happy'" — as part of her popular TRUE STORIES series of books for children. (It was apparently available with and without the plates: note indicates that, due to its use as a textbook, "it may be deemed too expensive with those embellishments, and it is therefore at the option of the purchaser to have it either with our without plates.")
Budden allows that "ancient history is entangled with fable" in her introduction to the two-volume set that spans from the "Creation of the World to the Death of Charlemagne." They are especially interesting from a historiographical perspective: an early 19th century British text, pedagogical in aim, that presents Biblical narratives like Noah and the Flood in historical sequence with events such as the death of Socrates and the Vandals settling in Spain — while telling warily of "the strange impostor Mahomet [sic], the artful and ambitious teacher of a false Religion." This copy includes the beautiful engravings by William Henry Brooke; the 1819 first included only frontispieces. A very nice set, retaining its lovely printed pictorial boards. Two volumes, 6.5'' x 4'' each. Original quarter red goatskin, printed paper boards. Illustrated with 72 engravings (two per leaf). iv, 196; iv, 914 pages. Ink owner name dated 1823 on title page of both volumes. Bookplate, bookseller ticket, and light early pencil inscription to endpapers of volume I. Some wear to boards, minor bumping to corners and foxing to endpapers. Firm. (Inventory #: 52182)
Budden allows that "ancient history is entangled with fable" in her introduction to the two-volume set that spans from the "Creation of the World to the Death of Charlemagne." They are especially interesting from a historiographical perspective: an early 19th century British text, pedagogical in aim, that presents Biblical narratives like Noah and the Flood in historical sequence with events such as the death of Socrates and the Vandals settling in Spain — while telling warily of "the strange impostor Mahomet [sic], the artful and ambitious teacher of a false Religion." This copy includes the beautiful engravings by William Henry Brooke; the 1819 first included only frontispieces. A very nice set, retaining its lovely printed pictorial boards. Two volumes, 6.5'' x 4'' each. Original quarter red goatskin, printed paper boards. Illustrated with 72 engravings (two per leaf). iv, 196; iv, 914 pages. Ink owner name dated 1823 on title page of both volumes. Bookplate, bookseller ticket, and light early pencil inscription to endpapers of volume I. Some wear to boards, minor bumping to corners and foxing to endpapers. Firm. (Inventory #: 52182)
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