1908 "Short History of Our Own Times from the Accession of Queen Victoria to the Accession of King Edward VII" Full Leather Book

This 1908 edition of A Short History of Our Own Times from the Accession of Queen Victoria to the Accession of King Edward VII by Justin McCarthy was published in London by Chatto & Windus. Originally appearing in the late 19th century, McCarthy’s work aimed to give a concise but comprehensive account of British history spanning Queen Victoria’s reign (beginning in 1837) up to the start of King Edward VII’s reign in 1901. McCarthy, an Irish nationalist, historian, and journalist, wrote this history to provide a reader-friendly overview of key political, social, and international developments that shaped modern Britain, including major events such as the expansion of the British Empire, various reforms at home, and the country’s shifting role on the global stage. The historical context reflects the late Victorian and early Edwardian desire to examine and interpret a period of rapid change and imperial power, offering readers of the time a way to understand the forces that molded their contemporary world.

This particular copy features a red full-leather prize binding, stamped on the front with the crest of Allan’s Endowed School in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Inside, a presentation label indicates it was awarded to a student in December 1910—highlighting the tradition of schools recognizing academic achievement with handsomely bound volumes of significant historical or literary works. The binding is decorated with gilt tooling around the edges of the boards and along the spine, which is divided into compartments with elaborate gilt floral motifs. Marbled endpapers add further elegance, reflecting a common practice in early 20th-century prize bindings to combine durability with aesthetic appeal.

In essence, McCarthy’s book offers a concise narrative of Britain’s political and social evolution from the early days of Victoria’s reign—marked by industrialization, Chartism, and the growth of democracy—through the imperial zenith of the late 19th century, and into the modernizing years of Edward VII. An easy way to remember its content is that it condenses over six decades of history into key themes: expanding democracy, imperial ambition, economic transformation, and the personalities (monarchs, prime ministers, and reformers) who influenced Britain’s trajectory at home and abroad.

Condition:

First page not attached (see photos)

The volume is in generally good condition, the spine is showing major fading to the title plate and leather. The red leather boards showing some minor scuffs and slight darkening on the front, consistent with age and handling. The gilt crest and decorative borders remain bright, though there is some rubbing to the spine’s gilt compartments. Internally, scattered foxing is visible—particularly on the preliminary pages—but the text is otherwise clean and clearly legible. The hinges and binding are solid, indicating that the book has been well preserved, and the marbled endpapers retain their vibrant colors, lending an appealing visual touch to this historical prize volume.