The pictorial history of England; being a history of the people, as well as a history of the kingdom. London: Charles Knight & Co., 1837 – 1844.

Bound c.1845 from the original weekly parts, entirely first-impression sheets (1837-1844) likely with later cancel letter-press titles dated 1841 for Vols. I–VI and XII, with other cancel letter press titles dated 1843 for volume X and 1842 for volume XI . 12 royal octavo volumes (each c. 10 1/4 by 7 1/4). Binder’s ticket “J. Kelly. 15 Gower Place” on front pastedown of vols 2-12. Numerous wood-engraved illustrations in the text.

First impression signatures were confirmed to be as follows: Vol. 1 (1837/1838) B-5 U⁸, Vol. II (1839/1840) B-5 Z⁸, Vol. III (1840/1841) B-6 A⁸, Vol. IV (1841) B-5 Q⁸ + chronological index, “Vol. the First” of George III (1842) B-4 S⁸, “Vol. the Second” of George III (1843) B-5 A⁸, “Vol. the Third” (1843) of George III B-5 F⁸, “Vol. the Fourth” (1844) of George III B-5 A⁸ followed by postscript leaf dated 28 Feb. 1844.

An excellent, entirely contemporary copy of Knight’s ambitious cheap-illustrated history, assembled in weekly parts from 1837 onward and never mixed with later stereotype re-issues. Only the predictable 1841 cancel titles are later than first printing; otherwise every sheet is the 1837-44 first impression.

Please review all photos before purchase. Additional photos are available upon request. Thank you.