THE MIRAGE OF LIFE
By William Haig Miller (1812–1891)
Author of The Three Questions: What Am I? Whence Came I? Whither Do I Go?
London: The Religious Tract Society
Early edition, c.1850–1855

An attractive early Victorian Christian work by William Haig Miller, examining the deceptive character of worldly ambition, pleasure, wealth, fame and human achievement when pursued apart from God.

Miller illustrates his theme through sketches of celebrated historical figures and different walks of life, including The Man of Fashion, The Man of Wealth, The Hero, The Statesman, The Orator, The Artist, The Man of Literature, The Poet, The Man of Wit and Humour, The Man of the World, The Beauty, and The Monarch, before concluding with an explicitly Christian application.

The work was first published in 1850. This copy is undated but contains a contemporary ownership inscription dated 21 June 1855, establishing that it was in circulation by that date. It is therefore best described as an early c.1850–1855 edition rather than assigning an unverified precise publication year.

Of particular interest, Charles Haddon Spurgeon later recommended The Mirage of Life, describing it as “a most instructive little book” and stating that he thought young men should read it.

Bound in attractive original brown publisher's cloth, extensively decorated in blind with an ornate Victorian design to both boards, with gilt title to the front board and gilt decoration and lettering to the spine.

Condition: Good for its age. The original cloth binding remains particularly attractive, with some age-related rubbing and wear, including minor wear at the spine ends and extremities. Corners show light wear. Contemporary ownership inscription dated 1855 to the front endpaper. Internally there is general age-toning together with occasional foxing, spotting and handling marks, but the text remains clear and the volume presents very well overall. Please see all photographs, which form part of the condition description.

Pagination: 120 pages + [4] pages of Religious Tract Society advertisements
Size: 150 × 96 × 10 mm
Weight: 110g
Language: English

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