Cassell Penny Readings Vol I II Tom Hood Illustrated Leather Book Antique

Condition: Good

Condition Notes: Overall Condition: Acceptable – WornCovers: Some scuffs, rubbing to leather corners and spine, especially Vol. II which shows more surface wear. Cloth boards remain solid and attractive.Spines: Gilt lettering intact, some spine ends bumped or frayed.Pages: Internally clean with some age-toning, occasional foxing, but no major tears or marks noted.Binding: Sound overall, though the hinges show some signs of wear from age and use.

Publication Year: 1870

Format: Hardcover

Language: English

Book Title: Cassell’s Penny Readings (Volumes I & II)

Author: Tom Hood

Features: Illustrated

Original Language: English

Topic: Books

Cassell’s Penny Readings – Volumes I & II – Illustrated Antique Editions Edited by Tom Hood

This is a charming 2volume antique set of Cassell’s Penny Readings, edited by Tom Hood and published by Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, London and New York. These volumes are richly illustrated and feature selections of prose and poetry designed for public readings and popular entertainment in the Victorian era.

Bound in matching halfleather bindings with green cloth boards, this elegant set combines literary value with decorative appeal, perfect for collectors of 19thcentury English literature or antique bindings.

Product Details:

• Title: Cassell’s Penny Readings (Volumes I & II)

• Editor: Tom Hood

• Publisher: Cassell, Petter, and Galpin

• Publication Date: c. 1870s (undated, but consistent with publisher imprint style)

• Binding: Half leather with gilt spine details and red title panels

• Volumes Included: Vol. I and Vol. II

• Illustrated By: Multiple artists (T. Scott, H. Weir, Gustave Doré, etc.)

• Size: Approx. 9.25" x 6.5"

Design Highlights:

• Each volume features engraved illustrations, including a frontispiece portrait of Sir Walter Scott.

• Red and brown leather spine panels with gilt titles and raised bands.

• Handsome shelf presence with gold tooling and traditional Victorian binding style.

Condition:

• Overall Condition: Acceptable – Worn

• Covers: Some scuffs, rubbing to leather corners and spine, especially Vol. II which shows more surface wear. Cloth boards remain solid and attractive.

• Spines: Gilt lettering intact, some spine ends bumped or frayed.

• Pages: Internally clean with some agetoning, occasional foxing, but no major tears or marks noted.

• Binding: Sound overall, though the hinges show some signs of wear from age and use.

Why This Set?

These books represent a piece of Victorian literary culture, offering engaging stories, poems, and illustrations curated for a wide audience. The inclusion of works by major illustrators and authors, along with the solid antique bindings, make this set perfect for:

• Collectors of Victorian Literature or Bindings

• Interior Decor Accents or Library Display

• Readers of Illustrated 19thCentury Anthologies