Description
First Paragraph of Preface
At the end of the nineteenth century there died an English schoolmaster and clergyman whose life had spanned most of it. He was born in 1810. Two books in my father’s library made me familiar, at an early age, with the Englishman’s name. They were Brewer’s A Dictionary of Phrase and Fable and Brewer’s The Reader’s Handbook. His full name was Ebenezer Cobham Brewer. Years later, when I was asked to edit a Reader’s Encyclopedia, using Crowell’s Handbook for Readers and Writers as nucleus, I discovered that according to the preface of the first editor of that volume, it had originally owed much to the fascinating books of Dr. Brewer. The Handbook for Readers and Writers had given his material extremely detailed revision, to say nothing of supplying a great deal that was new, relating to the Victorian era and to subsequent years, with especial attention to American literature and allusion. Since that time, of course, almost as many changes in taste, viewpoint, and interest have occurred as the handbook’s editor found to have taken place between 1897 (when Dr. Brewer died) and 1925 (when the Crowell Handbook appeared). Twenty or more recent years have shown as many alterations as the previous thirty. And now, in the midst of the new Atomic Age, there are changes that even a modern editor could not have anticipated several years ago!
Publishing Info
The Reader’s Encyclopedia: An Encyclopedia of World Literature and the Arts by William Rose Benet. From Thomas Y. Crowell Company with 1948 copyright. This hardcover book measures 9-1/4″ x 6-1/4″ and has 1242 pages (from “A,” to “Zwingli”, plus 7 more of Errata and Addenda.
Condition
Enlarge the photo above. In very good condition with normal storage and aging. No names or other markings noted. Smells lightly of a musty basement at present. Will air out in my home – or yours. Stored in and ships from clean, smoke-free, pet-free home.
Shipping
Generally sent the same day payment arrives. Unless you request otherwise, I will wrap the book in plastic wrap to help protect it from the elements, create a custom-made cardboard box to ship it in, and send via Media Mail with Delivery Confirmation tracking. See the shipping page for the cost to send a four-pound Media Mail package. Insurance is an additional cost as described. I am delighted to combine postage and insurance costs if you purchase more than one item. The second item may travel for free or just a few cents more — so it’s worth taking a look at my other items before you complete your order.
Not sure?
If you’d like more information or photos for The Reader’s Encyclopedia, please feel free to contact me. If it’s the price you don’t like, make a reasonable offer!
Check out my other literary books — and ask for a combined-postage discount!
