Written In English
This 1889 Popular Edition of The Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches of Lord Macaulay, published by Longmans, Green, and Co. in London and New York, brings together a wide range of essays, literary reviews, and speeches by one of Victorian Britain's most influential thinkers. Thomas Babington Macaulay was a historian, essayist, and Whig politician known for his eloquence, sharp intellect, and firm belief in progress, reform, and the British Empire. These collected writings were published posthumously to preserve his shorter works—many of which originally appeared in The Edinburgh Review or were delivered in Parliament—and they offer an unfiltered glimpse into the political and literary debates that shaped 19th-century Britain. His essays touch on figures such as Milton, Machiavelli, and Addison, while his speeches advocate for reform and education, echoing the values of the age. The volume is a snapshot of Victorian ideals: progress, rationality, and empire—all expressed through Macaulay’s confident and unmistakable prose.
Bound in full polished calf leather, this edition features an elaborately gilt-tooled spine with a black title label, gilt ruling to the boards, marbled endpapers, and red-splattered marbled edges. A particularly charming detail is a school prize inscription on the front pastedown from Sutton Coldfield Elementary School, dated June 30th, 1900, awarded for good conduct and attendance—a poignant nod to the book’s use as a reward for academic excellence at the turn of the century. This adds a layer of provenance and personal history to an already collectible volume.
Condition:
Condition-wise, the book is structurally intact but shows visible signs of age. The front hinge is cracked and partially split, though the board remains securely attached. The leather boards exhibit scratches, scuffs, and patches of discoloration, particularly on the front cover. Gilt detailing on the spine remains bright and attractive. The page edges retain their original marbled finish, and the interior pages are clean and legible with gentle age toning. Overall, it’s a handsome and richly detailed Victorian binding with a storied past—ideal for collectors of literary history or decorative antique books.
