This handsome early 20th-century history volume is part of The Historians’ History of the World, a large reference set edited by Henry Smith Williams.
Volume XXI focuses on Scotland, Ireland, and England since 1792, giving readers a period survey of political change, monarchy, war, reform, and modern British history as presented for an early 1900s audience.
It has the kind of warm cloth binding and substantial feel collectors love, with a decorative title page, portrait frontispiece, and black-and-white historical plates.
Quick Specs
• Item Type: Hardcover history book
• Size: 10 x 7 x 2 in.
• Material: Cloth-covered boards, paper text block
• Color: Tan cloth boards with black spine titling; cream pages
• Origin or Maker: The History Association, London and New York
• Year or Era: 1907
• GENRE: World History / British History / Historical Reference
• Language / Pages: English / 670 pages
• Identifiers: No ISBN; Volume XXI; title page dated 1907
Edition & Features
• Edition/Printing: Early 1907 volume of the multi-volume The Historians’ History of the World set
• Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Portrait frontispiece of Knight; decorated title page; black-and-white historical plates and illustrations
• Extras: Newspaper clipping found laid in; “How to Open a New Book” instruction card found
• Volume Focus: Scotland, Ireland, and England since 1792
Condition Grade: Very Good
Positives:
• Cloth binding remains attractive and structurally solid
• Spine titling is still readable
• Interior pages appear clean and readable overall
• Decorative title page and frontispiece present well
• Text block looks tight and complete
• Page edges have an attractive aged look without heavy staining visible in the photos
• Laid-in ephemera adds period charm
Issues / Wear:
• Newspaper found between pages has yellowed the contents pages, as shown
• Light overall age toning to pages and page edges
• Minor rubbing and wear to cloth at edges, corners, and spine ends
• A few light marks/scuffs visible on the cloth boards
• Newspaper clipping is yellowed and fragile-looking from age
• Sold as pictured—please review all photos carefully.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
Provenance & Notes
• Newspaper clipping found between the pages has toned the contents leaves
• “How to Open a New Book” card is present in the photos
• No ownership name or inscription is visible in the provided images
About the Editor: Henry Smith Williams
Henry Smith Williams was a physician and historian who edited large popular reference works for general readers in the early 20th century. This series aimed to gather historical writing into a broad, accessible set for home libraries, making volumes like this appealing both as reference books and as decorative shelf pieces.
A strong shelf book for readers who like their history substantial, old-world, and visually handsome.
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Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
