The Illustrated London Almanack 1865-1876.

London: The Illustrated London News, 1876. A bound collection of issues of The Illustrated London Almanack. This was published annually by The Illustrated London News from 1845 to 1895. The full title states that this "contains astronomical diagrams of remarkable phenomena, printed in tints, under the superintendence of James Breen. Ferns and Butterflies of the months, printed in colours by Leighton Brothers with descriptive letterpress by Mrs Lankester, fine art engravings, original designs heading the calendar and a variety of useful information." The illustrations show the Victorian obsession with the rural idyll. Half brown leather, with gilt decoration and titles. Brown buckram boards. Boards are a little faded and rubbed, but still attractive. Marbled end papers. Internally in good, if slightly darkened condition. Pagination is: 1865, 58 pages; 1866, 54 pages; All volumes from 1867 to 1874 have 56 pages in each; 1875, 48 pages, 1876, 48 pages. Each year is complete - apart from 1876, which has five of the six colour plates called for. 1866 has 4 colour plates (but it does not state how many it should have). There are a total of 69 full colour chromolithographs, and the rest b/w. Subjects include court circulars, information about government expenditure, Army & Navy movements, notable deaths and happenings in London &c. 280 mm x 210 mm (11 x 8¼ inches).