Highly illustrated including a FOLD OUT illustration!
This edition of The English Gardener by William Cobbett published in 1838, by A. Cobbett at 183 Strand, London. The author, William Cobbett (1763–1835), was a notable English journalist, farmer, and political reformer. Having first published The English Gardener in 1829, Cobbett issued several revised editions throughout the 1830s. His intent was to offer readers, particularly small-scale farmers and householders, a straightforward, practical guide to cultivating vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants in England’s climate. The text includes advice on soil preparation, seed selection, propagation, and pruning, as well as seasonal tasks or a “Kalendar” to help gardeners plan their work throughout the year.
Historically, The English Gardener emerged at a time when Britain was undergoing significant social and economic changes due to industrialization. Cobbett, an advocate for agrarian and social reform, believed that self-sufficiency and good husbandry could provide ordinary people with greater independence and stability. His direct writing style and emphasis on practicality made this work popular among a wide audience, from experienced gardeners to novices seeking clear, reliable information. Consequently, The English Gardener reflects not only the horticultural interests of the era but also Cobbett’s broader mission to empower individuals through accessible knowledge.
The volume you have has been rebound in a half-leather style with marbled boards, a practice commonly undertaken in the Victorian or early Edwardian period to preserve important or heavily used books. The spine and corners are covered in leather, providing durability, while the marbled boards add aesthetic appeal. Gilt lettering on the spine identifies the title as “Cobbett’s English Gardener,” and raised or faux-raised bands lend a classic, refined look. Such a binding was often commissioned by collectors or well-to-do owners who wished to both protect the book and display it in a more elegant form.
Regarding condition, the binding appears generally secure, with moderate rubbing at the spine ends and corners, where the leather meets the marbled paper. The marbling on the boards still shows good color, although some scuffing or fading may be evident. Internally, the pages are likely to display typical age-toning and scattered foxing, especially in the early leaves and any heavily consulted sections. Nevertheless, the hinges remain intact, suggesting the volume has been reasonably well cared for. Overall, this copy retains both its historical charm and practical value, standing as a testament to Cobbett’s enduring influence on English horticultural literature.
Condition:
Good condition, patina throughout and normal age-related wear
