W. & R. Chambers' Catalogue. - 1897 by W. & R. Chambers Ltd.

(9 User reviews)   3985
W. & R. Chambers Ltd. W. & R. Chambers Ltd.
English
Ever wonder what people were actually reading in 1897? This isn't a novel—it's a time capsule. W. & R. Chambers' Catalogue from that year is a list of every single book, map, and educational chart this massive publisher had for sale. The 'mystery' is uncovering what the Victorian world considered essential knowledge and entertainment. You'll find everything from serious textbooks on physics to adventure novels for boys, and it tells a fascinating story about ambition, education, and what it meant to be informed over a century ago. It’s a completely different kind of page-turner.
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Rajah of Dah_, _Real Gold_, &c. With eight Illustrations by W. H. C. Groome. =5/= Relates the troubles at Mere Abbey, a fine South-of-England mansion, surrounded by bogs and woodlands, during the reign of James II. of England, and how Vince the Rebel lay in hiding here after Sedgemoor, and escaped the soldiers sent in pursuit. The free and healthy country life enjoyed by Walter Heron and his cousin Vince, along with Sol Bogg, the man-servant, who aids in all the fishing, hunting, and woodland adventures, form a fascinating and enjoyable narrative for readers of all ages. =WILD KITTY.= By L. T. MEADE, author of _Catalina_, &c. With eight Illustrations by J. Ayton Symington. =5/= Mrs Meade again gives a picture of school-girl life, in which many varied characters play a part, the most interesting and original being Kitty Malone from Castle Malone in Ireland, who earns the nickname of Wild Kitty because of her love of mischief and unconventional manners. Mrs Meade is herself a native of Ireland and quite at home in sketching such a character, and she does not fail to weave a fascinating narrative, and one which she herself believes will rank amongst her best efforts. =PHILIPPA.= By Mrs MOLESWORTH, author of _Olivia_, _Blanche_, _Robin Redbreast_, _Carrots_, _Imogen_, &c. With eight Illustrations by J. Finnemore. =5/= ‘Very clever, very fantastic, and very enjoyable.’--_Spectator._ ‘One of Mrs Molesworth’s best stories for girls.’--_The Queen._ ‘Fully maintains her charm of style and narration.’--_Leeds Mercury._ =THE GIRL AT THE DOWER HOUSE, AND AFTERWARD.= By AGNES GIBERNE, author of _Sun, Moon, and Stars_; _A Lady of England_, &c. With eight Illustrations by J. Finnemore. =5/= ‘An absorbing story.’--_Daily Free Press._ ‘A charming love-tale.’--_Westminster Review._ =CATALINA=: Art Student. By L. T. MEADE, author of _Betty_, _Four on an Island_, _Wilton Chase_, &c. With eight Illustrations, by W. Boucher. =5/= ‘The story is managed with great skills.’--_Daily Free Press._ ‘Unquestionably one of Mrs Meade’s best books.’--_Evening News._ ‘Very brightly told.’--_Punch._ =THE BLACK TOR=: A Tale of the Reign of James I. By GEORGE MANVILLE FENN, author of _Roy Royland_, _Diamond Dyke_, _The Rajah of Dah_, _Real Gold_, &c. With eight Illustrations by W. S. Stacey. =5/= ‘A capital story ... full of incident and adventure.’--_The Standard._ ‘There is a fine manly tone about the book, which makes it particularly appropriate for youth.’--_Sheffield Daily Telegraph._ [Illustration: All my senses were now concentrating into the one maddening desire to reach shelter and safety. _From_ MEG LANGHOLME, _by Mrs Molesworth; price 5s._ PAGE 222.] =ROY ROYLAND=, or the Young Castellan. By GEORGE MANVILLE FENN. With eight Illustrations by W. Boucher. =5/= ‘Fascinating from beginning to end ... is told with much spirit and go.’--_Birmingham Gazette._ =THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE COAST.= By DAVID LAWSON JOHNSTONE. With twenty-one Illustrations by W. Boucher. Large crown 8vo, antique cloth gilt. =5/= ‘There is fascination for every healthily-minded boy in the very name of the Buccaneers.... Mr D. Lawson Johnstone’s new story of adventure is already sure of a warm welcome.’--_Manchester Guardian._ =GIRLS NEW AND OLD.= By L. T. MEADE. With eight Illustrations by J. Williamson. =5/= ‘A sound as well as entertaining romance.’--_Yorkshire Daily Post._ ‘It is a fine, bright, wholesome book, well bound and illustrated.’--_Saturday Review._ =DON.= By the author of _Laddie_, &c. With eight Illustrations by J. Finnemore. Large crown 8vo, antique cloth gilt. =5/= ‘A fresh and happy story ... told with great spirit ... it is as pure as spring air.’--_Glasgow Herald._ =OLIVIA.= By Mrs MOLESWORTH. With eight Illustrations by Robert Barnes. =5/= ‘A beautiful story, an ideal gift-book for girls.’--_British Weekly._ =BETTY=: a School Girl....

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Okay, let's be clear from the start: this isn't a story with a plot or characters. W. & R. Chambers' Catalogue from 1897 is a snapshot of an entire world of thought, captured in list form. Published by one of the 19th century's biggest educational and literary forces, this book is literally their sales catalog for that year. It meticulously lists every title they had in print, organized by category and price.

The Story

There's no narrative arc here. Instead, you 'read' it by browsing sections. You'll move from dense Scientific Manuals and Historical Cyclopaedias over to Popular Fiction and Children's Annuals. One page offers a textbook on political economy; the next advertises a thrilling tale of colonial exploration. The 'story' is the one you piece together about the era's priorities—its hunger for self-improvement, its sense of empire, and its ideas of leisure.

Why You Should Read It

I found it weirdly addictive. It’s like historical window-shopping. You see what knowledge cost (both in money and in the effort to publish it). The sheer volume of educational material shows a society obsessed with progress and climbing the social ladder. But then you spot the pulpy adventure novels and realize some things never change—people always wanted an escape. It makes history feel tangible, not as grand events, but as the books ordinary people might save up to buy.

Final Verdict

This is a niche treasure. It's perfect for history buffs, bibliophiles, and anyone who loves digging into the details of everyday life in the past. Don't expect a flowing read; expect to dip in and out, make connections, and get a real, unvarnished look at the Victorian mind through its bookshelf. It's research material that's also a fascinating curiosity.



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Carol Brown
6 months ago

Surprisingly enough, it creates a vivid world that you simply do not want to leave. I will read more from this author.

Jessica Johnson
1 year ago

I came across this while browsing and the arguments are well-supported by credible references. Worth every second.

John Martinez
2 years ago

Amazing book.

Linda Brown
1 year ago

Thanks for the recommendation.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (9 User reviews )

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