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Samuel Smiles — The Story of the Life of George Stephenson — 1864
SMILES, Samuel. The Story of the Life of George Stephenson; Including a Memoir of His Son, Robert Stephenson. London: John Murray, 1864. New Edition, Thoroughly Revised.
An attractive Victorian copy of Smiles’s celebrated biography of George Stephenson (1781–1848), pioneering railway engineer and developer of the steam locomotive, together with a memoir of his son Robert Stephenson. Illustrated throughout, including a portrait frontispiece, maps, railway plans, and other illustrations documenting the development of Britain’s early railway system.
Finely bound in full polished calf, the boards framed with gilt rules and ornamental corner devices; spine with raised bands, richly gilt-decorated compartments, and contrasting morocco lettering piece. All edges marbled, with matching richly marbled endpapers and gilt-decorated board edges. The binding gives the volume a particularly appealing mid-Victorian presentation.
An 1866 presentation inscription appears on the front blank, dated at Exeter Hall, December 1866, adding contemporary provenance and suggesting the volume was presented as a prize or testimonial only two years after publication.
Condition is very good overall for its age. Binding remains attractive and sound, with rubbing, scuffing, surface marks, and some discoloration to the calf, particularly to the boards and extremities. Some wear at corners and edges. Interior shows scattered foxing and occasional age-related spotting, but remains generally clean and well preserved. Marbled edges retain strong color and visual appeal.
A handsome 1864 Victorian railway and engineering biography in decorative full calf, combining an important account of the Stephenson family and the birth of the modern railway with an unusually attractive period binding and dated presentation provenance.
