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The World's Encyclopedia of Wonders and Curiosities of Nature and Art, Science and Literature
I. Platt, D.D.
John R. Anderson, New York
1887
New Revised Edition
Very Good condition overall. The volume remains sound and square, with a firm binding and an exceptionally well-preserved interior. The original blue cloth boards show moderate rubbing and handling wear, with fraying at the spine ends and corners and scattered small marks to the covers. The gilt spine lettering and central globe decoration remain attractive. The endpapers have been reinforced, with a small mark visible on the front free endpaper. Pages are generally clean and unmarked, with light age toning and occasional minor spotting. No dust jacket.
A substantial nineteenth-century illustrated encyclopedia, issued by subscription and bound in decorative blue cloth with an embossed pictorial front cover, gilt globe centerpiece, and ornate gilt spine lettering. The title page advertises 135 engravings, and the extensive list of illustrations includes depictions of animals, insects, birds, natural phenomena, ancient monuments, historical figures, architecture, scientific processes, and curious experiments. Subjects range from zoology, botany, geology, astronomy, and natural history to world cultures, mythology, biography, and literature. Decorative floral endpapers and numerous black-and-white engravings complement the text.
Published in 1887, this wide-ranging compendium reflects the nineteenth-century fascination with cataloging the extraordinary features of the natural and human worlds. Its subjects move from the honey bee, Arctic icebergs, and the pyramids of Egypt to the Great Wall of China, ancient civilizations, and scientific demonstrations. The book also preserves period interpretations of science and culture, including subjects such as phrenology, that are of historical rather than modern scientific significance.
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