An extraordinarily scarce, original 1886 Victorian social reform and safety pamphlet titled "The Moloch of Paraffin" by renowned petroleum author and journalist Charles Marvin (1854–1890).

Published in London by R. Anderson & Co., this famous crusading treatise exposed the rampant dangers of cheap, un-ventilated paraffin oil lamps responsible for thousands of fatal household fires and explosions during the late 19th century. The cover features sensationalist typography referencing major historic conflagrations ("Chicago burnt down", "Hampton Court Palace twice set on fire") surrounding a striking Victorian woodcut illustration of a woman filling a lamp embedded with a human skull.

Illustrated internally with technical diagrams of lamp burners, wicks, and safety valves. A magnificent, highly collectible acquisition for specialists in Victorian social history, antiquarian fire safety ephemera, petroleum history, or macabre 19th-century illustration.

Item Specifics:

  • Title: The Moloch of Paraffin

  • Author: Charles Marvin

  • Publication Date: 1886 First Edition

  • Publisher: R. Anderson & Co., Fleet Street, London

  • Subject: Victorian Paraffin Oil Lamp Explosions & Fire Safety Reform

  • Format: Original Stitched Paper Pamphlet / Softcover Booklet

  • Illustrations: Technical Burner Diagrams & Iconic Skull Cover Woodcut

Condition Report (Good Antique Condition):

  • Covers & Binding: Original mustard-yellow printed wrappers remain complete and firmly attached. Displays light, honest handling wear, minor corner creasing, and faint age-soiling to the outer covers.

  • Interior: Text block and technical line illustrations are clean, crisp, and fully legible throughout. Displays natural, light organic age-toning. Free from heavy damp staining, major tears, or missing leaves. Please inspect gallery photos for detailed views.

Packaging & Shipping:

  • UK Shipping: Free Royal Mail delivery. Enclosed in an acid-free archive sleeve, sandwiched firmly between thick rigid corrugated cardboard, and dispatched flat inside a hard-backed mailer.

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