Beginnings Of Biography - Being The Lives Of One Hundred Persons Eminent In British Story
By The Rev I. Taylor
Illustrated With Forty Eight Engravings (ALL PRESENT)
Published by J. Harris And Son: London 1824 1st Edition
"First published in 1824 by J. Harris & Son, Beginnings of Biography by Rev. I. Taylor is a two-volume early 19th-century collection introducing readers to one hundred figures of note in British history. Written in an accessible, moralising tone characteristic of Taylor's didactic works for youth, each concise life highlights the virtues, achievements, and character of its subject — from kings, explorers, reformers, and inventors to writers and clergy. The aim was not merely to inform but to inspire, presenting history as a series of instructive examples that embody courage, industry, faith, and patriotism.
The forty-eight fine steel engravings, all present in this complete set, offer vivid portraiture and illustrative scenes that bring to life the personalities and moments described within. They reflect early 19th-century standards of juvenile and family book production, when illustration was integral to both instruction and entertainment. The two volumes together chart a panorama of British greatness — a celebration of national identity and moral example during an era when biography served as both history and lesson.
This 1824 first edition is a significant example of early Victorian moral literature bridging children's education and adult edification. It will appeal to collectors of early British biography, enthusiasts of moral and educational publishing, and those drawn to finely illustrated volumes of the Harris school of juvenile literature."
General wear, staining, rub through and fading to covers. Original binding leather spines are fragile with some loss and splitting as shown - covers are secure and there are no loose pages. Both books are clean with pleasant age toning to a few pages and just the odd age spot. Some transfer of colour on pages facing engravings. Illustrated With Forty Eight Engravings (ALL PRESENT). Both volumes are in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
