Half Hours with the Best Authors

London: Frederick Warne and Co, c1890. Leather. Very Good. 9" by 6". Various. An illustrated copy of Charles Knight's collection of important pieces by historical authors, collected here in short sections to be read in half an hour. Illustrated, with a frontispiece to each volume comprising portraits of just a small selection of the authors featured across this work. Cowper, Scott, Byron and Wordsworth are just a few names portrayed on these plates. Volume II has an additional plate, as called for. A collection of excerpts from various influential British authors throughout history. Divided into what is intended to be half-hour sections, with the intention of the work being read over a year. Prize bookplate to the front pastedowns from the University of Cambridge Local Examinations. Addressed to Wilson Smith dated 1822.  Prior owner's inscription 'Eileen Hinde' to the recto of front endpaper of both volumes stating she is the prior owner's niece. Bound by Bickers, with the binder's stamp to the verso of front endpaper. In full calf bindings, with gilt stamping to the spines. Externally, generally smart. Marks to boards. Light rubbing to the joints and to the raised bands. Internally, both volumes are firmly bound. Bookplate to the front pastedowns. Pages are bright with spots to the first and last few pages. Otherwise, pages are clean. Very Good