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The National Encyclopedia of Business and Social Forms by James D. McCabe (RARE Illustrated Edition), 1881 📜🎩🕰️

Name: The National Encyclopedia of Business and Social Forms by James D. McCabe (RARE Illustrated Edition), 1881 📜🎩🕰️
Brand: Wall Antiques
Price: 350.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$350.00

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1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a rare and a cornerstone work of American social history. The book, The National Encyclopedia of Business and Social Forms, is a massive reference guide that served as a comprehensive guide to navigating Victorian life.

As a rare illustrated edition from 1881, this volume is a highly sought-after artifact for collectors of late 19th-century Americana and social history. It offers a unique window into the intricate rules of etiquette, the laws of courtship, and the practicalities of business in the Gilded Age. This edition is a tangible connection to the enduring legacy of a celebrated American author and cultural critic. Its documented rarity and exceptional content make this a premier acquisition for any serious library.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

The National Encyclopedia of Business and Social Forms is a work of American social and cultural observation.

The book's content is a comprehensive and detailed account of the rules of business and society in the late 19th century. It offers a detailed look at everything from the proper forms for legal and business documents to the correct way to dress and behave in society.

The book is an essential primary source for any scholar or dedicated reader of 19th-century American history. It is widely considered to be a cultural time capsule, capturing the ideals of respectability and a deep appreciation for the art of social order. The physical book itself, with its original decorative cloth and a beautiful illustrated frontispiece, is a testament to the high-quality publishing of the era. The book's unique narrative and illustrations make it a fascinating artifact.

3. About the Author ✍️🏛️✨

James D. McCabe (1842-1918) was a prolific American author and a central figure in the literary circles of his time. He was known for his ability to write on a wide range of subjects, from history and biography to novels and children's books. His work provides a crucial perspective on the American experience and a constant reinvention of the historical narrative.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1881, this book is an artifact of the Gilded Age in America, a period of immense social and economic change. The book's publication reflects a widespread desire for stories that celebrated the complexities of the American experience.

It is a "time capsule" of late 19th-century American social and intellectual thought. The book reflects the values of its time and provides an honest look at the lives of a community that was often overlooked by mainstream culture. It serves as an important record of the transitional period between a nation divided and one striving for unity and a new national identity.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is intended for a curator of American social history, a scholar of the Gilded Age, or a private collector of fine bindings.

It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book's dual significance as a foundational historical document and a physical artifact of its time. The book is an essential piece for an individual building a library that tells the story of how American society was transformed.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As a rare first edition from 1881, this book represents a genuinely scarce non-replicable asset. First and early editions of important works of literary criticism are highly sought after by collectors. The book was published to critical acclaim, but its scarcity in a well-preserved state makes it a premium and highly desirable item. The price is a direct reflection of the book's rarity, its historical significance, and its condition for an item of its age.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This volume is a survivor from the late 19th century, showing authentic wear consistent with its age.

The original publisher's cloth is in solid state, with a tight and sound binding. The covers show rubbing and scuffing, particularly along the edges and on the spine.
The pages have some expected discoloration and foxing throughout, a natural process for paper.
The pages are free from any major tears or stains, and the interior text block is clean. The book is free of any detached or loose pages.
There are no major marks or previous owner's scribbles.

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book contains no known inscriptions or unique markings from a previous owner. The value is derived from its well-preserved state as an authentic piece of 19th-century American bookmaking. The absence of an inscription means that the book's narrative is purely historical and literary.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

James D. McCabe was a highly prolific author, writing over 100 books during his career.
This encyclopedia served as a practical guide for a rapidly changing America, providing templates for everything from writing a business letter to composing a marriage proposal.
The book's illustrations were a key feature, and they often depicted ideal social situations, fashions, and business practices of the era.
The book provides a snapshot of the Gilded Age's aspirations, offering instructions on how to achieve social and financial success through proper etiquette and professional conduct.

10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰