The English Cyclopaedia: Natural History. by KNIGHT, Charles - 1854-56: A new dictionary of universal knowledge.

London: Bradbury and Evans,, 1854-56. First edition of the natural history instalment of this popular reference work. Charles Knight (1791-1873) tailored his publishing career to the self-improvement of the working classes, recommending this "for those who labour with their hands, and have little time for systematic study" (p. 275). Published between 1854 and 1873 as an enlarged version of his Penny Cyclopedia (1833-1844), it also includes sections on geography, biography, and arts and sciences. Four volumes in 2, quarto (275 x 198 mm), vol I. pp. 1139, vol. II. pp. 1188. Contemporary dark blue half calf, spines lettered and elaborately gilt in compartments, blue vermiculated moiré silk sides, pink-orange coated endpapers, edges sprinkled brown, pink and blue bookmarkers. Numerous illustrations to text. Ownership inscription of one James Campbell Evans dated 1860 to first blanks. Binding lightly rubbed, couple of corners worn, top edges dust toned, small ink mark to fore edge of vol. II. A very good copy. Charles Knight, Passages of a working life during half a century, vol. 3, 1865.