London, Sampson Low, Son and Marston, nd [1865]. First edition, first impression. Hardbacks. A near fine copy. Two volumes, complete. First book edition, several stories were published earlier in Chamber's and All the Year Round. A collection of 29 short stories. Mostly of an adventure sort, such as 'My First and Last Balloon Ascent' which involves a fight at 11,000 feet. There are fantasy elements to some of the tales, such as 'The Last of the Alchemists' and (fairly tame)supernatural elements such as 'How Professor Gaster Lectured a Ghost'. Other tales verge on fantasy: 'A Race with a Nightmare' seems to be going down that path but is rendered explicable quite early on. A nice collection, albeit one that isn't likely to pick up a Penguin Classics badge of honour any time soon. Apparently written with soldiers in mind. George Walter Thornbury (1828-1876) was an English poet, novelist, and essayist. He is best known for his literary works, particularly his poetry. Thornbury was also a prolific writer of non-fiction, and he wrote extensively on topics such as architecture, art, and travel. Thornbury published several volumes of poetry including "Songs of Cavaliers and Roundheads" (1857) and "Historical and Legendary Ballads and Songs" (1875). Thornbury's other notable works include "True as Steel" (1863), "Monarchs of the Main" (1855) and "Old and New London" (1872). The volumes are bound in half leather, probably a later binding. Some scuffing to the spines and corners. Internally very nice. [10586, Hyraxia Books].

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