H.G. Wells The Outline of History Vol 1 Vintage Illustrated George Newnes

H.G. Wells The Outline of History Vol 1 Vintage Illustrated George Newnes


An attractive vintage edition of The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind by H. G. Wells, published in London by George Newnes Limited.


This is Volume One, a substantial large-format hardback bound in brown cloth with contrasting leather spine and corner sections, finished with gilt decoration and gilt “The Outline of History” lettering to the spine.


The book is illustrated throughout and includes impressive colour plates, including the striking frontispiece “Two Pterodactyls Together with Toothed Sea-Birds.”


Of additional interest is an original Schola Cantabrigiensis (Cambridge School) prize label pasted inside the front cover, with period handwritten names/inscriptions, adding some interesting provenance.


The contents cover the development of the world and mankind from prehistoric life through ancient civilisations, Greece and Rome, Christianity and Islam and beyond.


Condition: A well-used vintage copy showing considerable age-related wear. The leather spine has detached and corners have rubbing, scuffing and areas of surface loss, with particularly noticeable wear to the corners and edges. The cloth boards also show marks and general wear. Internally it presents considerably better, with clean, attractive pages and illustrations for its age. Please study all photographs carefully for condition.


Please note: this is Volume One rather than a complete multi-volume set.


A handsome and increasingly collectible H. G. Wells volume, particularly appealing for its early colour illustrations, decorative binding and Cambridge school provenance.