Old Books
Inventory of my old books.
This is an unfinished post which is being actively updated.
The Pleasing Preceptor
This was my first old book, and it remains one of my favorites. In an era when scientific education was often dry and inaccessible, this charming volume by Gerhard Ulrich Anthony Vieth represents an early attempt to make natural history and physics engaging for young minds. Published almost 225 years ago in 1801, you can get a sense of the whole book just by reading it’s delightful title…The Pleasing Preceptor; or Familiar Instructions in Natural History and Physics, Adapted to the Capacities of Youth, and Calculated Equally to Inform and Amuse Their Minds During the Intervals of More Dry and Severe Study; Taken Chiefly from the German of Gerhard Ulrich Anthony Vieth, Mathematical Teacher at Dessaw; Intended for the Use of Schools, and Illustrated with Cuts. Vol. II.
It has some wonderfully quaint scientific assertions, with my favorite being to “fixed air” and “dephlogisticated air” (what we now know as carbon dioxide and oxygen). There are also some fascinating discussions of spontaneous combustion cases, including some rather alarming accounts of people supposedly burning up from within! What’s remarkable though is how much good science is contained within these pages. For a text from 1801, many of its explanations were quite advanced, and core principles like basic hydrostatics and specific gravity remain fundamentally accurate today. The author even shows admirable scientific skepticism at times, carefully questioning extraordinary claims - an approach that would fit right in with modern scientific thinking. Overall it is a genuinely delightful read.
The volume is bound in what seems to be an interesting variant on full tree calf, a popular binding style of the era that creates a distinctive marbled pattern on the leather. The first known tree calf bindings is from 1775, and they remained popular through the early 1800s. You can read a nice article about the technique here.
- Title: “The Pleasing Preceptor; or Familiar Instructions in Natural History and Physics, Adapted to the Capacities of Youth, and Calculated Equally to Inform and Amuse Their Minds During the Intervals of More Dry and Severe Study”
- Author: Gerhard Ulrich Anthony Vieth
- Publisher: G. and J. Robinson
- City: London
- Date: 1801
- Scan: read a scan of my edition here
Natural History of the Human Species
Lt. Col. Charles Hamilton Smith (1776-1859) was a soldier, artist, and natural historian who exemplified both the scientific curiosity and the racial prejudices of his era. His works were notable for their detailed illustrations, as he was an accomplished artist who had provided drawings for several major natural history publications of the period.
This is a fascinating artifact of 19th-century scientific racism, with my copy being published in the same year as Darwin’s Origin of Species. The work represents the culmination of pre-Darwinian thinking about human racial differences, complete with 34 colored plates that attempt to categorize humanity into distinct “types.” While deeply problematic by modern standards, such works provide valuable insight into how Victorian science was used to construct and justify racial hierarchies.
The volume has an a partially removed bookplate of J. S. Sterrett. It features quarter-leather binding over marbled boards with matching marbled edges, a common but elegant binding style of the period. Despite some rubbing and wear to the covers, the binding remains sound and the pages clean, suggesting careful handling over its 160+ year history. It is a delightfully small and chonky book, maybe a little smaller than an old school mass market paperback, but with all the pomp of a fine binding.
- Title: “The Natural History of the Human Species, Its Typical Forms, Primæval Distribution, Filiations, and Migrations”
- Author: Lt. Col. Charles Hamilton Smith
- Publisher: Henry G. Bohn
- City: London
- Date: 1859
- Size: 180x120x15mm
- Scan: read a scan of my exact edition here
Paroissien Romain (Roman Missal)
This exquisite French prayer book from the late 19th century exemplifies the fine bookmaking traditions of the Mame publishing house in Tours. The volume is particularly noteworthy for its elaborate blind tooling on the covers and gilded page edges, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship typical of religious books from this period. The text is presented in both Latin and French, making it a practical devotional work for French Catholics of the era.
At one point in it’s life, it had two clasps to hold it closed, but the female ends have been lost to time.
- Title: Paroissien Romain contenant les Offices de Tous les Dimanches et des Principales Fêtes de l’Année en Latin et en Français, Traduction Nouvelle
- Author: N/A
- Publisher: Alfred Mame et Fils
- City: Tours
- Date: 1889
- Size: 85x124x31mm
- Scan: this scan seems to be almost identical in content, except form 1869
Abrégé de l’Histoire Universelle
This charming early 19th-century French historical work by Count Ségur, member of the French Academy, represents a fascinating example of educational literature aimed at young readers. Published during the Bourbon Restoration period, it combines elegant half leather binding with beautifully marbled endsheets and edges. The title page suggests that the full work contained 150 engravings, but my particular volume 42 has only the title image.
This is a true pocket sized book, fitting easily into the palm of my hand. It would be delightful to see all 42+ volumes together.
- Title: Abrégé de l’Histoire Universelle, Ancienne et Moderne, à l’Usage de la Jeunesse, par M. le Comte de Ségur, de l’Académie Française, avec 150 Cartes ou Gravures
- Author: M. le Comte de Ségur
- Publisher: D’Eymery, Fruger et Compagnie
- City: Paris
- Date: 1829
- Size: 87x138x19mm
- Scan: I haven’t been able to find a good scan publicly available, may have to make my own.
Biographical and Critical Miscellanies
William H. Prescott (1796-1859) was one of America’s most celebrated historians, renowned for his groundbreaking works on Spanish and Latin American history despite being nearly blind from a college accident. His meticulous research methods and engaging narrative style, developed while working with a special writing frame for the visually impaired, earned him international acclaim and helped establish American historical writing on the world stage.
There are many, many printings of his works, but this is a particularly interesting and rare uncut copy from the limited Aztec Edition, which presents a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century fine press publishing practices. As number 232 of only 250 copies produced, this volume is noteworthy for retaining its original unopened signatures - a remarkably well-preserved state that modern collectors prize. This means in the well over 100 years since it was printed, no one has ever read this particular book.
It has a gilt top edge while retaining uncut fore-edges and foot, and contains five illustrations including one in color. Of some bibliographic interest is its dual numbering as both Volume XX of the complete works and Volume I of the Miscellanies series.
- Title: The Works of William H. Prescott: Biographical and Critical Miscellanies
- Author: William H. Prescott
- Publisher: J. B. Lippincott Company
- City: Philadelphia and London
- Date: 1904
- Size: 220x152x44mm
- Scan: read a scan of the less well-bond Montezuma Edition here
Tests of Metals: 1885
This fascinating government document offers an intriguing glimpse into both the technical and bureaucratic aspects of late 19th-century American military industrial development. The volume opens with what might be called an early example of government funding struggles - a remarkably candid letter to Congress pleading for additional resources, a rare personal touch in what is otherwise a technical document.
The book represents a year’s worth of materials testing at the Watertown Arsenal, then a crucial facility for the U.S. military’s quality control and research efforts. Of particular interest are detailed specifications for gun barrel manufacturing, highlighting the period’s focus on standardization and quality control in weapons production.
The volume has an interesting provenance, bearing an 1889 inscription from Col. Crooks to Mr. L. W. Rundlette, reinforcing the military overtones. Curiously, the report covers a fiscal year ending June 30th rather than October 30th, reflecting different government accounting practices of the era.
It’s a massive tome, coming in at 1876g, or 4lbs 2oz.
- Title: Report of the Tests of Metals and Other Materials for Industrial Purposes Made with the United States Testing Machine at Watertown Arsenal, Massachusetts, During the Year Ended June 30, 1885
- Author: N/A
- Publisher: Government Printing Office
- City: Washington
- Date: 1888
- Size: 169x233x77mm
- Scan: read a scan of my edition here
Prose-Poems
Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899) was known as “The Great Agnostic” and was one of America’s most famous orators of the 19th century. A gifted public speaker and freethinker, he was renowned for his criticism of organized religion and his advocacy for scientific rationalism, women’s rights, and other progressive causes, often drawing both passionate followers and fierce critics.
I stumbled across Ingersoll’s writings in my college days while browsing through the stacks. I think the first books I read were, “What’s God Got to Do with It” and “Some Mistakes of Moses”. I was immediately struck by his beautiful and eloquent speeches, and how shockingly progressive he was for his time. This is a man who was giving speeches in the 1870s about how women should have more rights, we shouldn’t be racist, criminals should be treated humanely, and that the Bible is a bunch of nonsense.
This eighth edition, published posthumously, is particularly interesting for its unusual production qualities. The book features thick pages of varying heights with uncut edges, creating an intentionally rustic yet premium aesthetic that was fashionable in certain early 20th-century publications. This treatment of the paper edges was likely meant to give the volume a handmade, artisanal quality, distinguishing it from mass-market publications of the period. I have quite a few collections of Ingersoll’s works, and they are of universally worse quality than this one.
The book’s generous dimensions and substantial thickness suggest it was intended as a more prestigious edition, perhaps aimed at Ingersoll’s dedicated followers who wanted a more permanent collection of his writings. The gilt top edge adds a touch of elegance while leaving the other edges deliberately rough and uncut.
- Title: Prose-Poems and Selections from the Writings and Sayings of Robert G. Ingersoll
- Author: Robert G. Ingersoll
- Publisher: C. P. Farrell
- City: New York
- Date: 1907
- Size: 170x246x40mm – Royal Octavo
- Scan: read a scan of my exact copy here
Some Mistakes of Moses
Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899), “The Great Agnostic,” was one of the most controversial and compelling public figures of 19th-century America. This book, published in 1879, represents one of his most direct challenges to religious orthodoxy, examining what he saw as inconsistencies in the biblical narrative. The provocative title alone made it a sensation in its time.
This fourth edition, published in the same year as the first, presents an interesting publishing mystery. While the title page lists Washington, D.C. as the place of publication, the printer’s information indicates it was produced by Franks & Sons Press of Peoria, suggesting a more complex publishing arrangement than initially appears.
The volume is particularly noteworthy for its decorative binding - a bluish-purple pebbled cloth with an unusual sideways gilt title, complemented by black blind-stamped decoration on both boards and spine. The dark-brown smooth-coated endpapers and the overall quality of the production suggest this was meant to be a handsome edition despite its controversial content. This attention to aesthetics may reflect Ingersoll’s wide popularity and his publisher’s confidence in the book’s market appeal.
The book includes 278 pages of text followed by 8 pages of publisher’s advertisements, bound in decorated cloth with gilt and blind-stamped elements. The advertisements give a really interesting look into book prices with this book being $1.25 and the most expensive books costing around $5. There are also many books published as 2 or 3 volumes, which I find was much more common in the 19th century.
Here’s an interesting book offered in multiple formats: Thomas Paine’s Great Works: Cloth $3.00; colored leather, red burnished edges $4.00; morocco, gilt edge, $4.50. Post Paid. The book is advertised as “Complete. New edition. The cheapest and best ever sold….all in one large volume, crown 8 vo…..with a fine steel portrait of Paine.”
To get an idea of these prices adjusted for 2025 inflation:
- $1.25 - $39
- $3.00 - $95
- $4.00 - $126
$4.50 - $142
- Title: Some Mistakes of Moses
- Author: Robert G. Ingersoll
- Publisher: C. P. Farrell
- City: Washington, D.C.
- Date: 1879
- Size: 147x203x26mm
- Scan: read a scan of the 5th edition from 1880 instead of my 4th from 1879
The Descent of Man
Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was one of the most influential scientists in history, fundamentally changing our understanding of life on Earth through his theory of evolution by natural selection. This volume represents his second major work on evolution, focusing specifically on human evolution and sexual selection, topics he had deliberately avoided in On the Origin of Species.
This book did not simply provoke scientific debate; it ignited cultural and religious controversies. Victorian society was deeply unprepared to reconcile Darwin’s ideas with its established worldview. Yet, The Descent of Man found an eager audience among those seeking to understand humanity’s place in the natural order. Its publication marked a turning point in the scientific and philosophical discourse of the era.
- Title: The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex
- Author: Charles Darwin, M.A., F.R.S.
- Publisher: A. L. Burt
- City: New York
- Date: 1890
- Size: 139x196x38mm
- Weight: 663g
- Scan: Digital scan available — this scan is of a version dated 1890 but may not match all details of this specific copy.
A Naturalist’s Voyage: Journal of Researches
Charles Darwin’s A Naturalist’s Voyage, more commonly known as The Voyage of the Beagle, remains one of the most influential travelogues in scientific history. First published in 1839, this journal chronicles Darwin’s observations during his five-year voyage aboard H.M.S. Beagle under the command of Captain Fitz Roy. These travels took Darwin across the globe, from South America to the Galápagos Islands, shaping the foundational ideas for his later works on evolution and natural selection.
This 1897 edition, published by John Murray in London, continues a tradition of high-quality printings aimed at keeping Darwin’s groundbreaking insights accessible to a growing audience. The text’s appeal lies in its vivid descriptions of natural history and geology, combined with Darwin’s keen observational skills and thoughtful reflections. It captures both the excitement of discovery and the meticulous detail of a scientist at work.
This particular copy is half-bound in striking blood-red Morocco leather with red marbled boards and gilt decoration on the spine. The top edges are gilt (TEG), lending the book an air of refinement, though the leather shows some wear, particularly at the spine. I’ve been thinking of doing some minor repair work on this one, mainly by slipping some glue under the leather to keep it from peeling further.
- Title: A Naturalist’s Voyage: Journal of Researches into the Natural History and Geology of the Countries Visited During the Voyage of H.M.S. ‘Beagle’ Round the World, Under the Command of Capt. Fitz Roy, R.N.
- Author: Charles Darwin, M.A., F.R.S.
- Publisher: John Murray
- City: London
- Date: 1897
- Size: 133x162x36mm
- Weight: 606g
- Scan: View digital scan — this scan is of a version similar to this copy, though not an exact match.
The Formation of Vegetable Mould
Charles Darwin’s The Formation of Vegetable Mould, Through the Action of Worms, with Observations on Their Habits is a detailed study of earthworms and their role in shaping soil and ecosystems. Published in 1881, this book explores the mechanisms through which worms break down organic matter and mix it with soil, effectively enhancing soil fertility. It provides experimental data, including observations of worms’ digestive processes, burrowing behaviors, and their capacity to process and distribute nutrients within the earth. Darwin even documented long-term experiments, including stone movement by worms, demonstrating their geological impact over centuries.
The reception of the book was generally positive, though it was regarded as less groundbreaking compared to Darwin’s earlier works on evolution. Critics noted its meticulous detail and somewhat niche subject matter, yet praised its accessibility and the novelty of its focus on an unassuming but ecologically vital organism. Despite its quieter reception, the book had an enduring influence on soil science and ecology, cementing Darwin’s legacy as a pioneer of observational biology.
- Title: The Formation of Vegetable Mould, Through the Action of Worms, with Observations on Their Habits
- Author: Charles Darwin, LL.D., F.R.S.
- Publisher: John Murray
- City: London
- Date: 1888
- Size: 137x190x27mm
- Weight: 524g
- Scan: View digital scan — this scan matches the version of the book.
Great Speeches of Col. R. G. Ingersoll
Col. Robert Green Ingersoll (1833–1899), known as “The Great Agnostic,” was one of the most prominent orators of his era. He gained fame for his eloquent critiques of organized religion, his defense of free thought, and his impassioned advocacy for civil liberties and human rights. Great Speeches of Col. R. G. Ingersoll, first published in the late 19th century, is a collection of his most notable addresses, capturing the brilliance and persuasive power that made him a celebrated public figure.
This volume includes a wide array of Ingersoll’s works, such as his famous eulogy for Abraham Lincoln, speeches to Civil War veterans, and addresses on farming and independence. It reflects his range as a speaker, from deeply emotional tributes to incisive commentaries on society. Edited by J. B. McClure, the collection serves as both a historical artifact of American intellectual life and a showcase of Ingersoll’s rhetorical prowess.
The editor, J. B. McClure, was a Christian publisher known for religious works. While he admired Ingersoll’s wit and eloquence, he did not necessarily agree with his religious views. The preface to this edition begins with glowing praise: “The brilliant eloquence, sparkling wit, and terse declarations that characterize Col. Ingersoll’s speeches, are as well-known to the American Public as are the truths couched in his beautiful language practically useful to mankind.” However, it ends with the pointed disclaimer: “Religious discussions of every kind have been carefully ignored.”
Through the accident of buying books in sets, I own two copies of this work: a green 1898 edition featuring a print of Old Glory and a brown 1895 edition that lacks it. Interestingly, only the 1895 preface is dated, with the patriotic date of July 4th, 1894.
This 1898 edition, is handsomely illustrated with over 100 images. The pages have yellowed considerably and are somewhat brittle. It’s fascinating to me that such an otherwise nice book – with great illustrations and a sharp cloth binding – has such mediocre paper. The book includes advertisements at the end, such as one for the “Audiophone - An instrument that enables deaf persons to hear ordinary conversation readily through the medium of the teeth”, with prices dropping significantly between the 1895 and 1898 editions. The earlier edition priced the instrument at $5, while this edition prices at only $3 and introduces a budget $1.50 option. Another advertisement targeted advertisers, offering a full-page ad in 5,000 copies for $50.
- Title: Great Speeches of Col. R. G. Ingersoll. Complete. Including his Matchless Eulogy on Lincoln; Great Speech to the Veteran Soldiers; Address to the Farmers on Farming; Oration on Declaration of Independence; Funeral Discourse at his Brother’s Grave, Etc., Etc., Etc.
- Author: Col. R. G. Ingersoll
- Editor: J. B. McClure, A.M.
- Publisher: Rhodes and McClure Publishing Co.
- City: Chicago
- Date: 1898
- Size: 143x202x38mm
- Scan: View digital scan — this scan is of the 1895 edition, not an exact match for this copy.
- Weight: 663g
Lectures of Col. R. G. Ingersoll
Ingersoll was an orator who gave speeches and lectures, and most of his works that you can find today are not published directly by him, but are instead compilations of his speeches gathered by third parties and sometimes approved.
Rhodes and McClure published no small number of my volumes both for and against Ingersoll, and they are interesting in their own right. Reverand McClure was a Presbyterian minister, and his publications were often religious in nature. His partner, Richard Silas Rhodes, suffered a profound childhood fever at 15 that left him deaf, and in his adult life invented the audiophone, “An instrument that enables deaf persons to hear ordinary conversation readily through the medium of the teeth.” He campaigned actively for the deaf community during his life, and his invention is often featured in advertisements in the back of their books.
Rhodes died tragically in 1902, when he was walking next to train tracks and was hit by the signal staff extending from the train, presumably not able to hear the train due to his deafness. McClure died about 8 years before Rhodes, in 1894. As far as I can tell, Rhodes was survived by his father, George A Rhodes and his mother, Lavinia Cowell Rhodes, who as of 1908 continued as President and Secretary of the publishing company. His was also survived by his three maiden sisters, who after his death preserved his own personal shattered audiophone.
There is an excellent obituary for Rhodes by Samuel Tefft Walker that can be read in the American Annals of the Deaf, Vol. 47, No. 4 (SEPTEMBER, 1902), pp. 357-363 (8 pages). Some more interesting details can be found here, such as he apparently built the first church in the village of River Park. Company positions were found here.
This edition, published by Rhodes and McClure Publishing Co. in Chicago, presents an interesting snapshot of the era. Unlike earlier editions, this work does not contain any editor’s injunctions against Ingersoll’s religious views. The first edition of the book was registered with the Library of Congress in 1898. This 1904 printing includes the same content but with expanded advertisements. A notable addition is a two-page advertisement for the “Audiophone,” a device enabling the deaf to hear through the teeth, complete with illustrations. The prices for the device remained unchanged from earlier editions, with the conversational size priced at $5 and the budget “trial” option at $1.50.
- Title: Lectures of Col. R. G. Ingersoll. Including his Answers to the Clergy, his Oration at his Brother’s Grave, Etc., Etc.
- Author: Col. R. G. Ingersoll
- Publisher: Rhodes and McClure Publishing Co.
- City: Chicago
- Date: 1904
- Size: 141x199x26mm
- Scan: View digital scan — this scan matches the version of the book.
- Weight: 536g
Buffon
Prize Bindings
Edge Marbling
From left to right, the dates are 1860, 1777, 1761, 1859, 1683, 1840, 1650. Often, the older books tend to have simpler marbling. The two oldest, #5 and #7, from the 1600s, have very simple red and black or red and yellow speckling. Uniquely in this set, #5 originally had gold detailing on the board edges, which is still visible although much of the gold has worn off and the leather chipped over time.
These are all late 1800s prize bindings, made intentionally to be beautiful. You can see all the marbling is lovely, and every board edge has gilded detailing. 1889, 1894, 1892, 1898, 1899, 1888, 1897. It should be noted that although this is the date of publication, it may be rather earlier than the date of binding. If you compare with the dates they were given as awards. Interesting that although many were published and then awarded within a few years, two have lengthy 14 and 15 year gaps.
| Title | Published | Awarded | Gap (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lathe-Work: A Practical Treatise | 1894 | 1897 | 3 |
| On the Senses, Instincts, and Intelligence of Animals | 1888 | 1902 | 14 |
| A Text-Book of Plant Diseases | 1899 | 1900 | 1 |
| Butterflies and Moths | 1897 | 1901 | 4 |
| The Playtime Naturalist | 1889 | 1904 | 15 |
| Volcanoes: Past and Present | 1892 | 1894 | 2 |
| Animals of Today | 1898 | 1900 | 2 |
I’ll take this chance to point out one of those delightfully expansive titles often found in old books: LATHE-WORK: A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE TOOLS, APPLIANCES, AND PROCESSES EMPLOYED IN THE ART OF TURNING, INCLUDING HAND-TURNING, BORING AND DRILLING, THE USE OF SLIDE RESTS AND OVERHEAD GEAR, SCREW-CUTTING BY HAND AND SELF-ACTING MOTION, WHEEL-CUTTING, ETC. ETC. BY PAUL N. HASLUCK WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS DRAWN BY THE AUTHOR. Fifth Edition. 1894.
Animals of Today
Plant Diseases
Butterflies and Moths
title page
illustration
errata