1882 Illustrated World History Volume II

A large and visually impressive 1882 volume of Pictorial History of the World’s Great Nations, written by Charlotte M. Yonge and published by Selmar Hess in New York. This is Volume II, an oversized Victorian history book produced to bring major world civilizations and national histories into the home in a dramatic, richly illustrated format. Its scale, gilt titling, raised bands, and engraved plates give it real presence on a shelf or table.

This copy works especially well for buyers drawn to antique decorative books with substance behind them. The half leather binding, pebbled cloth boards, and illustrated contents make it appealing both as a display piece and as a 19th century history volume. A strong choice for collectors of Victorian books, oversized antique bindings, and illustrated history.

[d]Author | Charlotte M. Yonge [d]Title | Pictorial History of the World's Great Nations, Volume II [d]Publisher | Selmar Hess [d]Date | 1882 [d]Binding | Half leather with pebbled cloth boards, raised bands [d]Dimensions | 11 in H x 8.5 in W x 2.25 in D [d]Origin | New York

[condition] The binding shows age-related wear throughout, including rubbing, scuffing, and leather loss at the edges and corners, consistent with a large 19th-century volume that has been used and handled. The top right edge of the spine has a slight tear, visible in photographs. The boards show surface wear in keeping with the book's age and size. The interior pages show general age toning and foxing throughout, as expected in a volume of this period. The illustrated plates are present. Overall the book displays well as a decorative object and reads as an honest, unrestored example of Victorian decorative publishing.