Educational books for children were very popular in the mid to late 19th century, and often purchased as gifts for birthdays or Christmas. This is one, providing information and illustrations on such topics as "The Arctic Regions", "Human Blood and Hair", "Crossing the Andes", "Ancient Punishments" and "Railway and the Steam Engine", all contained in a small volume easily handled by a young reader. There is no information about the author/ compiler, but the 'Advertisement' at the front assures the buyer that 'care has been taken to ensure truthful accuracy, and nothing has been stated without competent authority.' Viewed from the 21st century, however, it does seem very quaint and out of date! The book is nicely bound in decorative cloth which, sadly, is faded and discoloured so that the title on both front and spine is quite difficult to make out. The spine in particular is very grubby. There is, however, only minimal external wear, and inside, the binding is firm with no loose page