Published by Smith, Elder & Co., London, 1860. Volume II, July - December 1860. First edition.condition: Good.
The Cornhill magazine was a monthly Victorian magazine and library journal, named after the street address of it's publisher, Smith, Elder & Co. In the 1860s, it was edited by William Makepeace Thackeray, author of Vanity Fair, and it had a large circulation, reaching approximately 110,000. This fell by 1870 to 20000 due to it's competitors growing popularity. This volume comes from it's point of high popularity, including chapters from novels such as Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope, and illustrations by preeminent artists of the time.
This volume is bound in half calf with mottled boards, gold gilt title and decorations to the spine. There is rubbing and shelf wear to the boards and binding, but the binding remains strong and smart. Inside, other than some toning and a little age spotting, as to be expected in a book of this age, the pages are clean and bright and in excellent condition, with 12 beautiful illustrations by a selection of contemporary artists to complement the works inside. There is a neat ownership inscription to the ffep.
In all, this is a smart and interesting volume, with some fascinating chapters and beautiful illustrations. It would be an excellent addition to any collection or an ideal gift for anyone with an interest into the Victorian times and literary history.