A scarce 1913 reprint of Cassell’s revised 1900 telegraphic phrase‑book, unusually well‑preserved for such a tiny, palm‑sized volume. Retains its original ribbon closure — a rare survival feature.
First published in 1886 and revised in 1900, Unicode: The Universal Telegraphic Phrase‑Book is far more than a technical manual — it’s a tiny, palm‑sized snapshot of a bygone age when messages travelled by wire and every word carried a cost. This 1913 reprint preserves the gentle rhythms of Edwardian life in its hundreds of ready‑made phrases, from practical requests like “Please send a coach with 2 horses to meet the train” to brisk commercial notes such as “Ship goods immediately if market remains favourable.” There’s even a section for military use, with coded queries like “Is report correct here that Regiment is ordered to Cyprus?” — a reminder of Britain’s far‑flung communications network. Charming, precise, and unexpectedly human, it captures the world before telephones and email, when clarity and economy were an art form. Even my nephew, who is 30, found himself captivated by it — proof that its appeal reaches well beyond its era.
No illustrations present, as issued. The text is arranged in clear tabular form with bold section headers and structured phrase lists designed for rapid telegraphic reference.
Very Good
Tiny palm‑sized red cloth volume, bright and well‑preserved with minor corner softening and light edge wear. Gilt title to front remains crisp. Rear advertising panel clean and legible. Original ribbon closure present and functional — an uncommon survival for this fragile format.
Spine square and firm with no lean. Cloth intact and unfaded. Lettering remains clear. Hinges strong with no cracking.
Pages remarkably well‑preserved given their ultra‑thin, bible‑like paper stock. Mild uniform toning throughout, most noticeable on the title page. Occasional faint handling marks. No tears, foxing, or staining. Binding tight with no loose gatherings.
Small pencil notation (“243/6”) to front endpaper; no other inscriptions or ownership marks.
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Packed to collector standards using archival tissue paper and recycled/repurposed materials. Ships via Royal Mail Tracked, Evri or InPost; international buyers via the Global Shipping Programme.
Keywords: Telegraphy; Communication History; Early Telecommunications; Commercial Codes; Military History; British Empire Communications; Telegraph Phrase‑Books; Cassell & Co.; Edwardian Ephemera; Information Systems History; Pre‑WWI Technology; Coding Systems; International Telegraphy; Pocket Reference; Miniature Books