Description
An appealing late-19th-century edition of Richard Chenevix Trench’s influential work English Past and Present, issued in New York as part of the Humboldt Library and bound in an attractive period half-leather format.
Trench was one of the leading Victorian scholars of the English language. His writings on historical lexicography helped shape the scholarly movement that ultimately led to the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. In this volume, he examines the origins, development, changing meanings, and cultural history preserved within English words.
This compact edition presents the text in double columns and combines the Humboldt Library parts into a single bound volume. The rear publisher’s catalogue identifies the Humboldt Publishing Co. at 24 East Fourth Street, New York, supporting a publication date of approximately 1889.
Notable features include:
* Richard Chenevix Trench’s classic study of the English language
* Humboldt Library New York edition, circa 1889
* Period half-leather binding with blue cloth-covered boards
* Gilt spine label, decorative gilt rules, and gilt globe device
* Compact double-column printing
* Original publisher’s catalogue retained at the rear
* Historically important work connected with the development of modern English lexicography
* Attractive association with Victorian language study, education, and American publishing history
Condition shows the character of a well-read antique volume, including substantial rubbing, cracking, and surface loss to the leather spine and corners. The cloth boards show wear and age, while the interior remains readable with expected toning. There are pencil underlines and marginal annotations from an earlier reader. The text appears complete through page 61, with the rear publisher’s material present.
A handsome and historically engaging volume for collectors of antique books, English-language studies, lexicography, Victorian scholarship, or Humboldt Library publications. Please view all the photos for a complete appreciation of the binding, contents, and condition.
