Accession Number

2009.016.001.001

Description

Volume 1 of a 2 Volume set entitled 'Picturesque Canada: The Country As It Was And Is'. 440 pages with over 500 wood engravings. Full leather cover and binding with the title on the front cover in gilt lettering as well as on the spine.

Narrative

These two volumes are a set published by Belden Brothers of Toronto and New York. Though the date of publication is printed as 1882, this edition was certainly published later because one volume contains a lengthy biography of the deceased Hon. Robert Dunsmuir (1825-1889) in which author George Monro Grant states: “It remains to be proved whether they [the surviving family] will exhibit the same generosity and prudence which won universal respect for their father”.

It is possible that a set like this one was once in Craigdarroch’s library and removed by a family member prior to the auction. Irregardless, a fine leather edition of printed Canadian history was a common item in a late 19th century Canadian mansion like Craigdarroch and this set was acquired for these reasons.

History of Use

Unknown. Purchased at public auction in Victoria in 2009.

Dimensions

33 x 25.5 cm

Material

Paper; Leather