Softback with blue cloth covered boards and titles in gilt to spine in very good minus condition. The covers are faded and worn from handling at the corners. Evidence of mildew or minor water damage on the back cover. Back cover has two holes worn through at the edge and is detached from board, inner peice missing (3 x 10 cm). Spine sunned and slightly loose. Textblock edges tanned. Interior clean and bright.Illustrated throughout with numerous black and white steel plates and \"a profusion\" of historical and pictorial wood engravings. Frontispiece portrait of Queen Victoria, protected by tissue guard. Footnotes, index, and list of subscribers.