Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, William and Robert Chambers, 4 Volumes; VII, VIII, IX, and XI , Nos. 313-572. 1839-1943

This is a handsome set of four large-format 19th‑century bound volumes of Chambers’s Edinburgh Journal, originally launched in 1832 by the enterprising Scottish brothers William and Robert Chambers. Aimed at Britain’s growing literate middle class, the journal was a pioneering example of affordable popular publishing. Each weekly issue blended accessible essays on science, literature, travel, education, and moral improvement with light fiction and commentary on current affairs. The substantial size and quality of these bound volumes reflect the importance of the journal as a staple of Victorian reading culture.

Comprising four volumes:

Vol. VII; No. 313 to 364, 1839; 

Vol. VIII; No. 365 to 416, 1840; 

Vol. IX; No. 417 to 468, 1841; and; 

Vol. XI; No. 521 to 572, 1843. 

(Please note: Vol X is absent).

Chambers’s Edinburgh Journal. Conducted by William Chambers and Robert Chambers.

Published by William and Robert Chambers, Edinburgh, and William S. Orr and Company, London, 1839-1843. First edition, thus.

A very good set of hardbacks with brown leather spine and corners. Spines with gilt rules and gilt morocco title labels - 2 tan and 2 burgundy. 

The boards with marbled paper designs. Covers with some shelf wear, scuffing and bumping. All soundly bound. Plain endpapers with some age spotting and a some volumes with creased blanks. Vol IX with 5mm hole to front board causing holed indent to the first few pages.

Text pages are very good throughout. All bright and clear with some mild age toning to paper and occasional light scattered spotting and usage marks, as would be expected. The tall format making for an impressive set.

Text in English.

All volumes: (2) titles + 416pp. 

Dimensions: Each volume approximately 347mm high x 247mm wide x 24mm deep.

Weight approximately 5.75g (the set - unpacked).