Large collection of bound volumes and loose issues, with much duplication, including some American re-prints, one bound volume of the Dublin Penny Journal and a complete year of Dwight’s American Magazine and Family Newspaper for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. Loose issues, 11½x7½”; Bound volumes, 11x7” calf-backed marbled boards, mostly unmatched. Comprises: Penny Magazine, bound volumes; 1832, complete; 1833, 2 complete volumes; 1834, 2 complete volumes; 1835, 2 complete volumes; 1836 complete; 1837 complete; 1838 complete; 1843, New series complete; 1832 New York & Boston reprint March-Dec; 1834 New York & Boston reprint complete; Dublin Penny Journal, July 1833-June 1834; Dwight’s American Magazine 1847 complete (cloth). Approximately 1600 loose Penny Magazine issues from 1832-1840, with duplication, 5 partial years as reprinted in NY with new 2 color original wrappers for 1834 (2 issues), 1835, 1837, 1828, and 22 individual monthly issues in original wrappers of the Penny Magazine New Series, London 1841-1842.
In 1832, Charles Knight, who was serving as publisher for the London based Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, undertook to publish a cheap yet instructive and well-written publication for the masses. And the Penny Magazine, an eight page weekly filled with short articles and simple but elegant wood engravings began in March of that year. Within weeks after it’s publication it became the most widely circulated publication in England with an initial circulation of 50,000 per week it grew to over 150,000 per issue until facing a gradual decline to 1840.
Condition:
The bound volumes in various condition, but largely solid, with some matching spines. The loose issues are in very good condition, as are the issues in wrappers, as they all were printed on quality rag paper. Counts are approximate, not collated, sold as is. Accompanied by some bibliographic reference material, well worthy of further study.