The Little Giant Cyclopedia by K. L. Armstrong (Rare Antique Edition), 1892 📚🔬💡
















































1. Introduction 📜🔍
This is a rare antique edition of The Little Giant Cyclopedia and Treasury of Ready Reference, a remarkable compendium of knowledge from the late 19th century. Published in 1892, this book is not merely a reference guide; it is a fascinating cultural and intellectual artifact that provides a snapshot of the world at the turn of the century. As a well-preserved antique edition, this volume is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of Victoriana, historical ephemera, or reference books.
2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨
The Little Giant Cyclopedia is a small-format reference book that was designed to be a portable source of information on a wide range of subjects, from history and geography to science and finance. The book contains a wealth of facts, figures, and practical advice, all presented in a concise and easy-to-read format. This volume is a testament to a time when knowledge was condensed into a single, comprehensive book. Its original design and content make it a valuable document of a bygone era.
3. About the Artist/Author/Maker 🏛️✍️✨
K. L. Armstrong was a writer and editor who specialized in creating reference books and compendiums. While not a famous literary figure, his work was instrumental in making knowledge accessible to a mass audience in the late 19th century. His books were a staple of American homes and were a major influence on the rise of the modern encyclopedia and reference book.
4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
Published in 1892, this book is a "time capsule" of the American Gilded Age. It reflects a period of immense industrial growth, scientific discovery, and social change. The book's focus on a wide range of subjects, from astronomy to finance, speaks to a societal desire for a comprehensive understanding of a rapidly changing world. The book’s publication reflects a cultural moment where knowledge was seen as a key to social and economic advancement.
5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️
This book is for a curator of American social history, a scholar of the history of science, or a private collector of antique reference books. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book for its intellectual and historical significance. The book appeals to a collector who is interested in the intersection of knowledge, culture, and the history of ideas.
6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️
As a rare antique edition from a specific era, this book is a valuable asset. The scarcity of a well-preserved copy in this condition is a key factor in its value. The book’s authenticity, combined with its status as a key historical document of a bygone era, makes it a non-replicable piece of intellectual history. The price reflects its age, its condition, and its historical significance.
7. Condition 🔎📚✨
This volume is in good vintage condition. The hardcover is in a solid state, with a tight binding and clean pages. The covers show some rubbing and shelf wear, which is expected for a book of this age. The overall condition is an honest and transparent portrayal of a well-cared-for volume that was likely a cherished part of a home library.
8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤
This book contains no inscriptions or unique markings. The value is derived from its well-preserved state as an authentic piece of late 19th-century bookmaking.
9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩
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The book's small, portable size made it a popular companion for travelers, students, and businessmen.
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The book was published by Laird & Lee, a Chicago-based publishing house that specialized in producing popular, low-cost books for a mass audience.
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The book's pages, with their small, compact text and numerous tables, are a testament to the efficient printing technology of the late 19th century.
10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰
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Title: The Little Giant Cyclopedia and Treasury of Ready Reference
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Author/Maker: K. L. Armstrong
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Year: 1892
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Publisher/Foundry: Laird & Lee
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Place of Origin: Chicago, USA
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Format/Binding: Hardcover
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Edition: Rare Antique Edition
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Rarity: Rare