Written In English
This 1896 volume, Prose Masterpieces from Modern Essayists, was published in London by Hickers & Son, 31 Leicester Square. It compiles unabridged essays by notable 19th-century writers, including Washington Irving, Charles Lamb, Thomas De Quincey, Charles Dickens, Matthew Arnold, John Morley, James Russell Lowell, Thomas Carlyle, Thomas Babington Macaulay, James Anthony Froude, Edward Augustus Freeman, and William Ewart Gladstone. The anthology was produced at a time when essay writing was highly regarded both as a literary art and as a vehicle for intellectual discourse. By bringing together diverse voices—spanning reflections on history, society, politics, and culture—the editor aimed to showcase exemplary prose styles and ideas from leading figures of the Victorian era (and slightly earlier), providing readers with a rich sampler of modern English essay craftsmanship. Notably, the book features “stylist portraits in permanent photography,” capturing the likenesses of these authors in a then-popular format that combined textual and visual appeal.
The binding is particularly striking: a full polished calf, often referred to as a “tree calf” for its distinctive figuring on the boards, embellished with gilt tooling around the edges and on the spine. The front cover bears a gilt crest belonging to “The University of Cambridge Local Examinations,” indicating that this copy was likely awarded as a prize or presentation volume, a common tradition in late Victorian academic institutions. The spine compartments are decorated with floral gilt designs, and the leather remains supple despite its age, reflecting the high-quality craftsmanship that went into producing such an award copy.
In essence, Prose Masterpieces from Modern Essayists offers a curated panorama of influential essayists who helped shape literary and intellectual currents of the 19th century. Each writer’s piece provides insight into the social, cultural, and philosophical preoccupations of the period, while also illustrating distinct stylistic approaches to essay writing. A simple way to remember the volume’s purpose is that it assembles some of the finest short prose works of the age, pairing them with photographic portraits of their authors—thus giving readers both literary substance and a personal connection to the individuals behind the text.
Condition:
The book is in good condition overall, with some scuffing and light wear along the board edges and spine ends, which is common for a volume of this vintage. The gilt crest and tooling remain bright, though there is minor rubbing on the raised bands. Internally, the hinges are sound, and the pages show only moderate foxing—mainly confined to the preliminaries and plates—leaving the text largely clean and legible. The photographic portraits are intact and well-preserved, enhancing the book’s value as both a literary collection and a decorative prize volume.
