1839: The Dawn of the Steam Era

[Author Anonymous] ; [Transportation History]

The Roads and Railroads, Vehicles, and Modes of Travelling [Bridges, Tunnels, and Canals] [1839]

London: John W. Parker, 1839.

An expansive Victorian survey of global infrastructure, published during the dawn of the Railway Age. 

This work provides a meticulous history of human movement, from the engineering of Roman roads to the cutting-edge development of steam locomotives and suspension bridges in the early 19th century. Richly illustrated with detailed wood engravings, it documents a world in the midst of a transport revolution, balancing technical accounts of canals and tunnels with the social history of 'modern' travel.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Illustrated throughout with numerous wood engravings depicting historical vehicles, bridge architecture, and early rail technology; includes 5 unnumbered leaves of plates. 
+++ Binding: Original brown ribbed cloth with ornate blind-stamped borders and gilt spine titles. 
+++ Content: Comprehensive chapters on Roman roads, the evolution of the wheel, the construction of the Thames Tunnel, and the rise of British canals. 
+++ Imprint: John W. Parker, West Strand, London. 1839. First Edition, First Printing. 
+++ Specs: 12mo; viii, 340 pages.

CONDITION: Very Good. The bindings are tight and square. The text is clean with only light, even toning. Moderate shelf handling wear is present; the head of the spine is frayed with a small loss to the cloth. A partial small name stamp appears on the front free endpaper. A very presentable copy of a fragile mid-century technical work.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ The Industrial Transition: Published just as the 'Railway Mania' of the 1840s was beginning, capturing a unique moment when horse-drawn and steam-powered transport coexisted.
+++ Anonymous Victorian Series: Likely part of Parker's 'Select Books' or 'Collections in Popular Literature,' intended to educate the growing British middle class on engineering and history.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
This 1839 survey stands as a primary witness to the 'Great British Railway Revolution.' By documenting ancient modes of travel alongside contemporary canal and rail engineering, the author (likely a scholar in the John W. Parker circle) provided the Victorian public with a sense of historical continuity during a period of jarring technological change. It remains a vital reference for the history of civil engineering and the social impact of the steam engine.

SUBJECTS: Transportation History, Civil Engineering, Roman Roads, Early Railways, Canal Construction, Victorian Technology, History of Science & Technology, First Edition, Illustrated.

REFERENCE: YCfBA (Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection).

Item #21721

Price: $145.00