Letters of Natural Magic, Sir David Brewster — 1st Edition

Condition

Very Good: Original leather binding shows moderate wear, with rubbing and bumping to extremities. Spine heavily worn and scuffed, with areas of surface loss and wear at the head and tail. Surface rubbing across the boards, though gilt borders to the front and rear remain clear. Binding square and firm. Internally, pages display age-related toning, with occasional light foxing; otherwise largely clean and bright. Text illustrations remain clear. Lacking overlay leaves to pages 119 and 121. A sound and presentable copy overall.

Description

First edition, published by John Murray, London, 1832 (MDCCCXXXII), issued in original leather and illustrated with 79 text engravings. Early scientific works by Sir David Brewster are increasingly uncommon, particularly in first edition and original binding. Copies are less frequently encountered on the secondary market, especially when substantially complete. A desirable example for collectors of early scientific literature and 19th-century publications.

Letters of Natural Magic explores scientific phenomena through a series of accessible and engaging essays, examining optics, illusions, and the principles behind various “magical” effects. Brewster combines scientific explanation with curiosity and wonder, making complex ideas approachable to a general audience. The work reflects early 19th-century interest in the intersection of science and spectacle.