Land Battles by L. Valentine (Prize Inscription, Illustrated, Rare), c. 1890 โ๏ธ๐ฌ๐ง๐
1. Introduction โ๏ธ๐ฌ๐ง๐
This is a prize edition of Land Battles by L. Valentine. Published around 1890, the book provides a historical overview of military engagements from the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to the Battle of Inkerman in 1854. The volume contains period illustrations and serves as a compendium of military history as it was documented in the late 19th century.
2. About the Book/Object ๐โ๏ธโจ
Land Battles is a historical overview of significant military engagements. The book chronicles conflicts from the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to the Battle of Inkerman in 1854. The work provides details on military strategies, tactics, and key events. The book is adorned with period illustrations, making it a visually rich historical artifact.
3. About the Artist/Author/Maker โ๏ธ๐๏ธ
The author isย L. Valentine. The work was published by Frederick Warne and Co. The book represents a genre of late 19th-century non-fiction that aimed to provide detailed and accessible histories of major events for a general readership.
4. Historical/Political Era Context ๐๐ฐ๏ธ๐
Published in theย Victorian era around 1890, this book is a product of its time. The volume reflects the cultural values of the period, particularly the emphasis on history and education, which is demonstrated by its use as a prize for a Sunday School.
This book's documented history as a prize awarded to a student offers a direct record of social and cultural life in the late 19th century. The presence of the prize inscription and other personal ephemera provides a window into the educational and cultural practices of the period.
5. The Ideal Collector ๐ก๐ง๐๏ธ
This book is for a collector who specializes inย military history, Victorian-era artifacts, or prize books. It is suited for a library that focuses on the educational and social history of the late 19th century.
6. Value & Rarity ๐โจ๐๏ธ
This book is aย key acquisition for a collector due to its status as a prize edition.
The book isย 135 years old, having survived over a century. Its value is enhanced by the personal prize inscription and the presence of other items that document its history. Its quarter-leather with marbled boards binding is also an indicator of its status as a finely-made volume from the period.
7. Condition ๐๐โจ
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The binding is quarter-leather with marbled boards.
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The binding shows authentic wear consistent with its age, including rubbing and scuffing.
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The pages have some expected discoloration and foxing.
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The text and illustrations remain clear and readable.
8. Fun Facts & Unique Features ๐ค๐๐คฉ
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This volume is an example of a "crossover" collectible, appealing to collectors of rare books, military history, and Americana.
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The book's history as a prize for a Sunday School makes it a unique association copy.
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The book also has an ex libris library tag and a preserved newspaper pamphlet used as a bookmark.
9. Supporting Information ๐ท๏ธ๐ฆ๐ฐ
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Title: Land Battles
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Author: L. Valentine
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Year: c. 1890
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Publisher: Frederick Warne and Co.
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Place of Origin: London
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Edition: Prize Edition
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Format: Hardcover, Quarter Leather and Marbled Boards