Collected Works of Hugh Miller, 5 uniform volumes, Thomas Constable, Edinburgh, 1857-1858

This five‑volume set showcases the writings of Hugh Miller (1802–1856), the celebrated Scottish stonemason‑turned‑geologist, author, and lay theologian. Miller became one of the Victorian era’s most widely read popularisers of geology, admired for his ability to combine scientific observation with literary elegance and moral reflection. His work bridges the world of 19th‑century science and faith, offering a unique perspective during a period of growing debate about the origins and history of the Earth.

Miller’s approach to geology was shaped by his evangelical Christian beliefs. He embraced the evidence for an ancient Earth, revealed in Scotland’s fossil‑rich strata, but rejected the emerging ideas of transmutation of species. Instead, he advanced a form of progressive creationism, arguing that the geological record displayed a divinely ordered sequence of creations, rather than unguided evolution. This distinctive viewpoint makes his works important not only to the history of science, but also to the study of 19th‑century natural theology.

The volumes in this set reflect the full range of Miller’s talents. My Schools and Schoolmasters recounts his self‑taught journey from rural Cromarty to literary and scientific prominence; Scenes and Legends of the North of Scotland preserves the folklore and history of his native Highlands; and First Impressions of England and Its People provides a keen‑eyed travel narrative. His geological classics – The Old Red Sandstone and The Cruise of the Betsey – offer vivid descriptions of Scotland’s fossiliferous landscapes and make his case for a divinely orchestrated natural history. Together, they capture the blend of science, storytelling, and faith that made Hugh Miller one of the Victorian era’s most compelling voices.

Comprising:

Vol. I; My Schools and Schoolmasters, or The Story of My Education, 1857; 

Vol. II; Scenes and Legends of The North of Scotland, or The Traditional History of Cromarty, 1857; 

Vol. III; First Impressions of England and Its People, 1857; 

Vol. IV; The Old Red Sandstone; or, New Walks in an Old Field. To Which is appended a Series of Geological Papers, Read Before the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, 1858; and; 

Vol V; The Cruise of the Betsey; or, A Summer Ramble Among the Fossiliferous Deposits of the Hebrides. With Rambles of a Geologist; or, Ten Thousand Miles Over The Fossiliferous Deposits of Scotland. 

Published by Thomas Constable and Co., Edinburgh and Hamilton, Adams, and Co., London, 1857-1858. First edition thus; This five‑volume format represents the complete first collected edition of Miller’s non‑posthumous works.

A fine set of attractive hardback volume which has been bound in a later red cloth, with gilt title to spine. Binding is crisp and clean, and everything is soundly bound. The books are bound with white card endpapers.

Text is bright and clean throughout with only very occasional age flaws, such as small fingerprint mark or uncut page edge. Each volume has a 'Collected Works; title page, followed by an individual volume title page. Small splash mark to 'Collected Works' title page of volume III. The 'Old Red Sandstone' volume has a fold-out colour plate, plus additional attractive engraved fossil plates.

An attractive and complete five‑volume set of Miller’s writings, bringing together his geological classics, autobiographical memoir, travelogue, and folklore studies – ideal for collectors of Victorian science, natural history, and Scottish literature. 

Text in English.

Dimensions: Each volume approximately 199mm high x 138mm wide x 40mm deep.

Weight: Approximately 3kg (the set - unpacked).