An Enquiry into the Nature of Certain Nineteenth Century Pamphlets

£45.00

An Enquiry into the Nature of Certain Nineteenth Century Pamphlets

Name: An Enquiry into the Nature of Certain Nineteenth Century Pamphlets
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6580
Price: 45.00 GBP
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An Enquiry into the Nature of Certain Nineteenth Century Pamphlets, John Carter & Graham Pollard — 1st Edition

Publication: London, Constable & Co Ltd, 1934

Formatting: 8vo, pp. xii, 400, plus four plates.

Condition Report: Good. The original red cloth boards remain firm and sound, though they exhibit moderate general shelf-wear, slight corner bumping, and a few scattered dark blemishes to the front panel. The spine is mildly sun-faded and features a gilt institutional shelf mark ('R 010') at the tail, indicating former reference library provenance. The binding remains reasonably tight and square. Text block edges are predictably age-toned and dust-dulled, with slight darkening to the top edge. Internally, apart from faint handling marks and the expected signs of light institutional use, the pages remain bright, clean, and entirely legible, presenting a sturdy and complete reference copy.

Catalogue Note: First edition of Carter and Pollard's watershed contribution to forensic bibliography, issued as part of Constable's Bibliographia Series. The volume includes four detailed plates that illustrate the typographical evidence central to the authors' arguments.

While first editions of this title are historically significant and highly regarded by collectors, copies lacking the original dust jacket, particularly those bearing institutional marks, serve primarily as accessible scholarly reading copies rather than premium collector's items.

In 1934, John Carter and Graham Pollard sent shockwaves through the rare book trade with the publication of An Enquiry into the Nature of Certain Nineteenth Century Pamphlets. By applying rigorous forensic techniques, such as microscopic paper analysis and meticulous typographical history, the authors systematically dismantled the reputations of over fifty "rare" Victorian pamphlets. In doing so, they exposed the highly respected bibliophile Thomas J. Wise as a master forger. This thrilling piece of scholarly detective work fundamentally elevated the standards of bibliographic evaluation and remains one of the most compelling true-crime narratives in literary history.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: John Carter & Graham Pollard

Book Publisher: Constable & Co Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 412

Book Publication Year: 1934

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Constable's Bibliographia Series

Country/region of manufacture: Bungay, Suffolk, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.