A TALE OF OLD ENGLAND (First edition, first printing, a near fine copy)

Thomas Miller

Published by William and Robert Chambers, London and Edinburgh, 1869

About this Item

A first printing of the first edition, in the original cloth-covered boards, in beautiful clean original condition. With a tissue-guarded frontispiece engraving showing 'A Tale of Old England'. A small format book aimed at Victorian children living around the British Empire (see quote from publisher's preface below). This copy was most likely held in reserve in the Lincoln Reference Library, as we have another copy listed which has all the library marks - this copy has none. ***Near fine in mauve cloth-covered boards with gilt titles on the spine, and publisher's device on the front board, with blind ruled borders to the boards. The boards show very little wear from age and handling over the years, considering the book is over 150 years old, just a strip of fading at the top of the back board. No bumps or tears to the fragile cloth. Some fading to the colour of the cloth on the spine. Internally also near fine with no discernible faults. Yellow paper endpapers. Printed on nice quality paper. No creases or tears and no visible marks. A nearly pristine interior. **155 pages, 142mm x 100mm. ***'These little books are not designed alone for the youth of Great Britain: they are intended also for the entertainment and instruction of boys and girls in the British colonies and in America; and on this account it is thought proper to present at least one volume more particularly referring to the scenery and rural life of Old England.' (Quote taken from the publisher's preface). ***'Thomas Miller (31 August 1807 - 24 October 1874) was an English poet and novelist who explored rural subjects. He was one of the most prolific English working-class writers of the 19th century and produced in all over 45 volumes, including some "penny dreadfuls" on urban crime. Miller was born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, the son of George Miller, an unsuccessful wharfinger and ship-owner, who deserted his wife and two sons in 1810. Thomas grew up in Sailors Alley, Gainsborough. His childhood friends included the future poet and journalist Thomas Cooper. He attended the White Hart Charity School. Although he left school at nine, he became a voracious reader. His love of the countryside was reinforced by summers spent on his grandfather's farm. Miller found work as a ploughboy, then as a shoemaker's apprentice, but he was released from his indentures after he threw "an iron instrument" at his vicious and tyrannical master. He was then apprenticed as a basket-maker to his stepfather. When Miller had completed his apprenticeship, he moved to Nottingham in 1831 to set up a basket-making business. There he published his first writing, "Songs of the Sea Nymphs" (1832), which he dedicated to Lady Blessington. After moving to London he was befriended by Lady Blessington and by Samuel Rogers, and for a time engaged in business as a bookseller, but was unsuccessful and then devoted himself exclusively to literature, producing over 45 volumes.' (Wiki) ***A first printing of the true first edition, in the original mauve cloth-covered boards, in absolutely beautiful condition. The book has been very well preserved as a reserve copy in a reference library, and doesn't show any signs of use. A rare book in first edition and very scarce in this original condition - of interest to collectors of books pertaining to Lincolnshire writers and local history as well as antiquarian children's books. A very uncommon title of which we have managed to obtain two copies discarded by the library. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc.

Seller Inventory # 8967

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A TALE OF OLD ENGLAND (First edition, first printing, a near fine copy)
• Publisher: William and Robert Chambers, London and Edinburgh
• Publication Date: 1869
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition
• Printing: First Printing
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Seller catalogs:
  • First Editions
  • Children's Literature
  • Antiquarian