1871 Ballantyne The Iron Horse Book Good Red Decorated Railway Adventure Rare

Condition: Good

Condition Notes: Used – Good vintage condition. The cover is bright and retains much of its original red color with gold detailing. There is minor wear to the corners and spine ends. Interior pages show light foxing, especially on preliminaries. Binding is tight. There is a handwritten dedication dated 1901 on the inside front page, adding historical charm. A few pages show mild age-related toning, but overall, the text and illustrations are clean and legible.

Publication Year: 1871

Language: English

Book Title: The Iron Horse

Author: R. M. Ballantyne

Genre: Adventure

Topic: Railway

This item is the 1871 edition of The Iron Horse or Life on the Line by R. M. Ballantyne, published by James Nisbet & Co. Limited. This richly illustrated Victorianera novel offers readers an exciting fictional account of life on the railway, inspired by real elements of the Grand National Trunk Railway.

Bound in a stunning red embossed cloth cover with elaborate gold and green Victorian design, the book is a true collectible for fans of railway history, 19thcentury literature, or period decorative books.

Product Details:

• Title: The Iron Horse, or Life on the Line

• Author: R. M. Ballantyne

• Publisher: James Nisbet & Co. Limited, London

• Year Published: 1871

• Format: Hardcover

• Illustrated: Yes, with fullpage blackandwhite illustrations

• Binding: Giltedged pages with red cloth cover and ornate embossed design

• Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Historical

Condition:

Used – Good vintage condition. The cover is bright and retains much of its original red color with gold detailing. There is minor wear to the corners and spine ends. Interior pages show light foxing, especially on preliminaries. Binding is tight. There is a handwritten dedication dated 1901 on the inside front page, adding historical charm. A few pages show mild agerelated toning, but overall, the text and illustrations are clean and legible.

About the Book:

R. M. Ballantyne wrote with a flair for adventure and vivid realism, especially drawing from factual knowledge—in this case, based on the operations of real railway systems. This book seeks to entertain while also giving insights into 19thcentury rail travel, engineering, and the people behind the scenes of the booming railway industry.

Why This Book Stands Out:

• A richly illustrated and rare Victorian edition

• Ideal for collectors of railway memorabilia, antique books, or R. M. Ballantyne works

• Gorgeous decorative cover—perfect for display in libraries or vintageinspired decor

• Historical interest with a dated personal dedication from 1901