1908 Short History of Our Own Times Full Leather Book

This 1908 edition of A Short History of Our Own Times from the Accession of Queen Victoria to the Accession of King Edward VII by Justin McCarthy was published in London by Chatto & Windus. Originally appearing in the late 19th century, McCarthy’s work aimed to give a concise but comprehensive account of British history spanning Queen Victoria’s reign (beginning in 1837) up to the start of King Edward VII’s reign in 1901. McCarthy, an Irish nationalist, historian, and journalist, wrote this history to provide a reader-friendly overview of key political, social, and international developments that shaped modern Britain, including major events such as the expansion of the British Empire, various reforms at home, and the country’s shifting role on the global stage. The historical context reflects the late Victorian and early Edwardian desire to examine and interpret a period of rapid change and imperial power, offering readers of the time a way to understand the forces that molded their contemporary world.

This particular copy features a red full-leather prize binding, stamped on the front with the crest of Allan’s Endowed School in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Inside, a presentation label indicates it was awarded to a student in December 1910—highlighting the tradition of schools recognizing academic achievement with handsomely bound volumes of significant historical or literary works. The binding is decorated with gilt tooling around the edges of the boards and along the spine, which is divided into compartments with elaborate gilt floral motifs. Marbled endpapers add further elegance, reflecting a common practice in early 20th-century prize bindings to combine durability with aesthetic appeal.

[d]Author | Justin McCarthy [d]Title | A Short History of Our Own Times: From the Accession of Queen Victoria to the Accession of King Edward VII [d]Publisher | Chatto & Windus, London [d]Date | 1908 [d]Binding | Red full leather prize binding, gilt crest of Allan's Endowed School (Newcastle-upon-Tyne), gilt tooled board edges, compartmented spine with gilt floral motifs, marbled endpapers [d]Inscription | Presentation award label, Allan's Endowed School, December 1910 [d]Origin | England [d]Language | English

[condition] First page not attached (see photos)The spine shows significant fading to the title plate and leather, the most notable wear on the volume. The red leather boards carry minor scuffs and slight darkening to the front, consistent with over a century of handling. The gilt crest and decorative board borders remain bright, though there is some rubbing to the gilt compartments on the spine. The first page is detached and loose, as shown in the photographs. Internally, scattered foxing is visible on the preliminary pages, but the text block is otherwise clean and fully legible. The hinges are solid, the binding is firm, and the marbled endpapers retain their color well. A good copy with honest wear, best suited to a collector who values the prize binding and provenance over a pristine example.