Part 14
"This volume, which unostentatiously treats on the highly interesting subjects indicated in the title, is based on records of unimpeachable value. All speculation has been wisely avoided, and its pages present an unvarnished history of one of the most extraordinary undertakings of which the history of the world can boast; extraordinary in the fact of the people of this little island challenging the people of the universe to meet on its shores with specimens of their several productions of industry; and extraordinary in the magnitude, decidedly novel, and inconceivably rapid erection of the building for their reception. The history of every similar exhibition is traced back to its source; those of Manchester, Birmingham, London, and France are minutely recorded; the growing interest which followed every subsequent exposition statistically described, and every detail connected with the Royal Commission, the arrangements, the building, future rules, throughout a space of 200 pages, and finishing with a list of the local committees, conveys a vivid and correct picture of this vast national undertaking."
CHURCH AND STATE GAZETTE.
"A work that was wanted. It puts the public in full possession of every iota of intelligence in connexion with the Great Exhibition worth having, and has some very sensible remarks on the prospects of home exhibitors, especially at the forthcoming display. It is indispensable to all interested in the subject."
GUARDIAN.
"'A Popular Narrative of the Great Exhibition' was really needed, explaining its whole history from its first conception in the Prince Consort's brain, and Mr. Berlyn's book has amply supplied the need. It is a very smart volume, and the writer is duly impressed with the grandeur of his theme."
LEIGH HUNT'S JOURNAL.
"We can hardly speak too highly of this elegant and useful volume. Mr. Berlyn has done his part admirably, and the publisher has seconded him in the business department no less satisfactorily. All the floating and disconnected accounts that have hitherto been brought before the public from time to time are here collected and arranged in a very popular and lucid manner, while a mass of fresh information, entirely new and authentic, renders this book the only complete compendium of the Exhibition in all its bearings. The history of its origin is written with a graphic power and a narrative vigour very surprising on such a subject. You are carried along with as much interest as if reading a work of fiction. The contents fully justify the ample title, and in that tact lies more of eulogy than columns of praise could say."
THE EVENING EXPRESS.
"A neatly-printed volume on the History of the Exhibition; containing a careful digest of all the documents which the Commissioners have issued."
THE TABLET.
"Mr. Berlyn's book is an elegant volume by way of a guide to the Crystal Palace. It contains a well-condensed summary on everything connected with the subject of the Exhibition."
MORNING ADVERTISER.
"A gaily-boarded volume, nattily emblazoned on the outside with colours, with a tinted frontispiece of the Glass House from the same familiar aspect. It is dedicated to Prince Albert, and contains an elaborate introduction, in which the by-past expositions of Paris, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin, &c. are duly noticed. It is as a whole a neat mode of preserving all the 'printed gossip,' as well as weightier reports of Commissioners, relating to the preparations of the shell of the Exhibition."
MARK-LANE EXPRESS.
"A most interesting record of the history and opinions as to the probable results of the World's Fair, to be held in the Crystal Palace, Hyde Park. The author has condensed into a most readable work every transaction which has given rise to this exhibition of the choice products of the world."
THE BUILDER.
"This book gives, in a concise and agreeable manner, a narrative of the progress of the scheme towards fruition, and an account of the building. The account is put together pleasantly, and makes a pretty book."
CHRISTIAN TIMES.
"A valuable and elegant introduction to the Great Industrial Exhibition. It contains much useful information, lucidly and carefully arranged."
NORTHERN STAR.
"Mr. Berlyn's book is all it professes to be. It contains an ample and popular narrative of the circumstances connected with the conception and ultimate realisation or the idea; and incidentally throws much light upon the progress and effects of similar exhibitions abroad. The author deserves the greatest credit for the lively, interesting, and accurate manner in which he has recorded all the leading events connected with the Exhibition. In doing this we are happy to perceive also that he has the manliness to do justice to those who first introduced the idea of such Exhibitions into this country, and who had to struggle with all the difficulties which usually dog the footsteps of innovators and inventors. The first exhibitions had to encounter prejudice and apathy, and the funds for carrying them out were comparatively small, and difficult to be procured; they had not the _prestige_ of princely and titled names, to give them acceptance with the vulgar herd, who eagerly copy the fashion set by the great. They were the production of a pure love of art, and science, and industry, and a desire to promote the improvement of public taste and skill. One of the first promoters 'of the plan of National Expositions, similar to those on the Continent,' was Mr. George Wallis, formerly master of the Manchester School of Design; of whose exertions Mr. Berlyn makes honourable mention. It is exceedingly interesting to have presented at one view the gradual expansion of the original idea, through a succession of varied phases, to its ultimate development as an Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations. It appears clear that Prince Albert is entitled to the merit of giving it this cosmopolitan character; other exhibitions have always been either local, provincial, or national. The idea of making that of 1851 universal is due to the Prince Consort alone. The circumstances under which Mr. Paxton conceived the idea of the structure which now attracts the admiration of every beholder, in Hyde Park, read more like a sketch of the imagination than a sober reality; and the almost incredible rapidity with which the plan has been translated into a great fact is one of the proudest testimonies that can be borne to the industrial resources, skill and enterprise of this country. Of all the marvels that will be exhibited at the World's Fair next May, none will be so marvellous as the structure in which they are collected; and we confidently commend Mr. Berlyn's book as an agreeable companion and guide to every visitor, as well as a record of the growth of the Exhibition, well deserving of preservation on account of its intrinsic merits and historical value."
MANCHESTER EXAMINER AND TIMES.
"Mr. Berlyn (whom many of our readers will remember as an active and earnest promoter of the interests of our Athenæum, in his character of honorary secretary to that institution), having held an official situation in connexion with the Royal Commission for carrying out the business detail of the intended Exhibition, finds means to present us with an extremely able and instructive volume. His narrative is cleverly written, and affords ample information of the origin and progress of a movement which has already acquired a world-wide fame. The gradual advance of public opinion and feeling in reference to the study of art, and to the more general cultivation of a love for the ideal and the beautiful among the people, are care fully traced, and we have every reason to believe that credit is justly given to the humble but earnest workers in the cause."
LEEDS MERCURY.
"A popular narrative of the origin, history, progress, and prospects of the Great Exhibition, with a guide to the future rules and arrangements, by Peter Berlyn, has just been published by Gilbert, of Paternoster-row. It is a very able and useful volume, beautifully got up, and at a cheap rate."
LEEDS TIMES.
"Mr. Berlyn's book supplies a _desideratum_. It is the first attempt, so far as we know, to give a consecutive narrative of the circumstances which have given birth to the great design, whose realisation is to illustrate the history of the present year. He has done his work well. The narrative is entirely derived from authentic and official sources, to which Mr. Berlyn, from his connexion with the undertaking, had peculiar opportunities of access. The author regards the Exhibition, not as a sudden individual thought, but as the natural result of certain industrial ideas and tendencies which have been gradually developing themselves during several years; and this view leads him to trace the history of various prior exhibitions on a minor scale in this country, such as the polytechnic exhibitions in different towns, and the exhibitions of art and manufactures which have taken place, many years, in Manchester, Birmingham, and the metropolis. The proceedings more immediately connected with the great World's Exhibition now in preparation are then related from the commencement, and in a manner at once concise and complete. Finally, we have a full account of the rules and regulations determined on for the conduct of this remarkable undertaking. The volume contains several excellent illustrations, is tastefully bound, and in a portable form."
LIVERPOOL COURIER.
"This is an exceedingly interesting and useful book. It has been got up as a hand-book for the visitors to the Great Exhibition, but its object is more to give a condensed account of the history of the event than to serve as a guide within the building. The writer, who treats his subject most clearly and ably, enters into a brief narrative of all that has been hitherto done, in this and other countries, to foster national taste in connexion with these public displays. In our own countries he goes on, at length, into an investigation of what may be termed the initiatory exhibition lately held at Birmingham, and which, in its results, far exceeded the expectations of its founders. He also gives a concise history of the proceedings relative to the 'Palace of Glass,' from the time that its erection was a dreamy idea until it rose in its gigantic transparency to astonish the world."
LIVERPOOL ALBION.
"This is a book for the times and to the purpose. Its title-page tells with what object it has been written, and is well borne out by its contents. When we open it we find a concise and faithful account of the causes and progress of the world's gathering which is just upon us. In preparing his volume the author has taken care to avoid all 'culling of simples,' and to give only such information as may be depended upon, and which possesses more than ephemeral interest. It abounds also, in practical suggestions and philosophical observations. We will only say further that the publisher, although he does not puff the work by talking of giving it away, certainly comes as near as possible to that point in the price which he has fixed upon it. We can safely recommend it."
BIRMINGHAM JOURNAL.
"A cleverly-written and carefully-condensed little volume, containing all that has been done, and much that should be known, respecting the great event of the year. The author culls with great judgment from the addresses delivered at various meetings held throughout the country; the regulations issued by the Executive Committee are also introduced. Altogether, a more complete record, within the same amount of space, it would be impossible to find; it confers great credit upon the writer, who in addition is evidently an enthusiast in the work about which he writes so well."
LEICESTERSHIRE MERCURY.
"This volume should be in the hands of all who take an interest in the great event of this _annus mirabilis_, 1851. What it promises in the title-page it performs in those which follow. It contains an accurate and deeply interesting record of the causes and progress of the preparation for that gathering of the nations of the earth which we are about to witness, and chronicles all the official information on the subject which is worth preserving. The practical suggestions and observations to be found in it are greatly to the credit of the writer. We must also give our praise to the publisher, Mr. Gilbert, for the manner in which he has brought it out, and the low price at which he offers it to the buyer."
LIVERPOOL TIMES.
"Of course we are already deluged with hand-books, guide-books, &c., to the Exhibition. Such little works, properly compiled, will not only be interesting, but absolutely serviceable, to the country visitor. We have had oceans sent to us, varying in price as in truthfulness and English grammar. The best we have seen is a 'Popular Narrative of the Exhibition,' by Peter Berlyn, published by Gilbert, of Paternoster-row; a book distinguished not only by correctness and labour, but also by very considerable literary merit."
LINCOLNSHIRE TIMES.
"What the flower-garden is to the bees, attracting them to gather honey from its sweets, the Grand Exhibition has been to many a candidate anxious to take his place in the ranks of authorship. The book before us is one of the proofs of its stimulating powers. It fully and ably accomplishes all which the title-page leads us to expect, setting forth the causes and progress of that wondrous festival of industry at which the world is to meet in Britannia's Crystal Palace. The information which it contains may be relied upon as derived from the best sources; the practical suggestions are valuable; and the observations are penned in a highly philosophical spirit. We can safely recommend the work to our readers, and we are quite certain that everybody who buys it will be satisfied that his money has been well laid out. We speak not from our own authority only, but have our verdict backed by the opinion of persons competent to pronounce upon the merits of the volume before us."
INVERNESS COURIER.
"This little volume has a merit which belongs to but few books published in the present age. It is wanted. There has no doubt been a great deal written on the subject of which it treats, as well as a great deal spoken; but till now we have had only scattered and almost inaccessible information on the one hand, or mere catchpenny pamphlets on the other. Mr. Berlyn's excellence is, that he is honest; that his work fulfils the promise of its title-page. Officially connected from its outset with the great scheme which he describes, he has enjoyed peculiar facilities for this task, has known where to look for materials, and been able to judge of their relative usefulness and importance. Of these opportunities he has diligently availed himself, and the result is to be seen in the elegant book before us. Simple and popular in style, it is comprehensive and instructive in its contents; we therefore recommend it."
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_Beautifully printed in 8vo, price only 7s. 6d., or postage free, 8s. 6d., Illustrated by Eighty very splendid Pictures, engraved by George Measom,_
DEDICATED TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBERT,
GILBERT'S DESCRIPTION
OF THE
CRYSTAL PALACE,
Its Architectural History and Constructive Marvels.
BY PETER BERLYN & CHARLES FOWLER, JUN., ESQRS.
The Engravings will depict the various peculiarities and novelties of this wonderful Building as well as the Machinery, &c., used in its construction. The combined efforts of the Proprietor, as well as the Authors and Artists, are to produce a work worthy to be purchased and preserved by every visitor to the Great Exhibition.
----
GILBERT'S
VISITOR'S ILLUSTRATED MAP OF LONDON,
DRAWN ON A NEW PRINCIPLE,
HAVING IN VIEW THE DEPICTING OF THE PRINCIPAL ROADS AND STREETS OF THE METROPOLIS,
_With Illustrations of its most Important Buildings and Sights,_
Engraved on their exact Localities.
This novel Map will be found an interesting, intellectual, and practical guide to all Visitors who may wish to proceed readily to the more Important Sights and Attractions of London. The price, in sheet, coloured, with Letter-press Keys and References, is 1s. 6d.; or in Case for the pocket, 2s.; postage free, 3s.
----
GILBERT'S
GUIDE TO THE STREETS OF LONDON,
AS A COMPANION TO THE "VISITOR'S ILLUSTRATED MAP."
WITH FIVE THOUSAND REFERENCES;
Frontispiece and Tables of Cab Fares; the Rules and Laws relative to Metropolitan Conveyances; and Explanations in four Languages--to enable the Visitor to find his own way throughout the length and breadth of the Metropolis.--Price 6d; or postage free, 1s.
* * * * * *
_Price 1s. 6d., or 2s. bound; postage free, 6d. extra,_
GILBERT'S GUIDE TO LONDON,
WITH MAP, &C.
This original work, which has long been in full preparation for publication, is especially intended as a useful and indispensable pocket companion to every visitor to the Metropolis during the Great Exhibition of 1851.
*** Separate Editions of the book issued in the French and German Languages, price 6d. each extra.
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"Contains much useful information for residents as well as visitors. It has also a good Map, and is very moderate in price."--_English Churchman._
"A very useful companion throughout the streets and sights of London."--_Lady's News._
"The distinguishing excellences of this guide are, that it is cheap, and that it is written especially for the benefit of the visitors to London during the Great Exhibition."--_Standard of Freedom._
"A publication prompted by the Great Exhibition: it is a plain and business-like affair, giving a good deal of information upon various subjects connected with the comfort of visitors, as well as directions for sight-seeing."--_Spectator._
"This hand-book contains the most complete information connected with the localities, customs, public buildings, amusements, and resources of the capital city of this kingdom; and for travellers or foreigners we say it is an indispensable work, if they desire to possess an accurate knowledge of London during their visit to the Great Exhibition."--_Mark-lane Express._
"Unquestionably the most useful little work of its sort we have met with. It abounds with accurate, ample, and valuable information respecting London and its suburbs. We know of no more interesting or cheaper publication."--_Catholic Standard._
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_Price, on a large sheet, only 6d.; in case, 1s. 6d.; or on roller, varnished, 3s. 6d.,_
GILBERT'S KEY TO LONDON,
ON ONE LARGE SHEET;
Containing particulars of its Palaces, Public Buildings, Religious Edifices, Hospitals, Inns of Court, Parks, Gardens, Bridges, Museums, Literary Institutions, Theatres, Public Amusements, Exhibitions, Cab Fares, Railway Stations, Ambassadors, Bankers, Hotels, Docks, Arcades, Private Galleries, Curiosities, Churches and Chapels, Cab, Omnibus, and Coach Rules and Laws, Omnibus Routes, Environs, Post-offices, Steamers, Foreign Money Tables, &c.
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_Price, coloured and mounted in cloth case for the pocket, only 1s.; or paper case, 6d.; in sheet, 4d._
GILBERT'S MAP OF LONDON,
BEAUTIFULLY ENGRAVED ON STEEL,
WITH A KEY TO THE STREETS AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
* * * * * *
THE GREAT EXHIBITION IN 1851.
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_Just Published, size of the Engraving 18 inches by 10, printed on paper, size 21 inches by 14½,_
GILBERT'S NEW PICTORIAL VIEW
OF THE
CRYSTAL PALACE,
FOR THE
GREAT INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION, 1851.
With several Hundred Scenic and Characteristic Figures, beautifully and accurately Drawn from the Official Documents,
BY JOSEPH PAXTON, ESQ., F.L.S.
_With Statistical Details in English, French, and German._
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The exciting interest which the Exhibition creates throughout the world, has prompted the production of this carefully-executed, large, and beautiful Illustration of the Exhibition Building. It is got up in first-rate style, printed on the best paper, and published at the low price of SIXPENCE; or coloured, ONE SHILLING. The special object of its combined beauty and cheapness is not only to command sale in the United Kingdom, but to induce our Merchants, Manufacturers, and all interested in this glorious Institution to send this Illustration of the Building to every part of the world. It may also be had in a neat gilt frame and glazed, price only 5s.; or stretched on a frame and varnished, price 3s. Either of these two can also be had packed in a deal box for transit by railway, or other conveyance, at 1s. extra; or the 6d. and 1s. 6d. editions packed on roller, for transit by post free, at 8d. each extra.
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GILBERT'S EXHIBITION LETTER-PAPER,
4to post size, of superior quality, with a beautiful Illustration of the Building printed in tints. Price 2s. per quire, or 34s. per ream.
GILBERT'S EXHIBITION NOTE-PAPER,
8vo post, of superior quality, with a beautiful Illustration of the Building. Price 1s. 6d. per quire, or 21s. per ream.
GILBERT'S EXHIBITION CARD,
With a View of the Building. Price One Penny. Size, 4½ inches by 3.
GILBERT'S LARGE EXHIBITION CARD,
With a View of the Building. Price Twopence. Size, 7 inches by 4½.
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_Just Published, in Thirty-Six Sheets, of different Subjects, at the extremely low price affixed,_
JERRARD'S
COLOURED PICTURES
OF
GROUPS AND BOUQUETS OF
FLOWERS, FRUITS, BIRDS, LANDSCAPES,
&c. &c.
----
These beautiful Pictures are on folio-sized drawing-paper, and produced in the first-rate style, being most beautiful and successful imitations of Original Drawings. They are admirably adapted for framing; would also form a tasteful ornament to Ladies' Portfolios, or as patterns for Drawing in colours.
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Sheet 1, price only 2s.--Fruit: Peaches, Purple Grapes, Green Grapes. Flowers: Moss Rose, Campanula (Canterbury-bell), Wallflower, Convolvulus. Sheet 2, price 1s. 6d.--Poppy, Ranunculus, Pæonia, Hollyhock, Convolvulus, Anagallis, Rosebud. Sheet 3, price 1s. 6d.--White Rose, Red Rose, Anemone, Single Dahlia, Cineraria, Nastertium, Auricula, Veronica. Sheet 4, price 1s. 6d.--Passion Flower, Rose, Tulip, Geranium, Pinks, Convolvulus. Sheet 5, price 1s. 6d.--Anemone, Petunia, Mountain Aster, Heartsease, Viola Tricolor, Anagallis. Sheet 6, price 1s. 6d.--White Lilies, Tiger Lily, Tulip, White Fuschia.
Sheet 7, price 2s.--Fruit: Peach, Apple, Pineapple, Purple Grapes, Green Grapes, Egg Plum, Red Currants, White Currants. Flowers: Rose, Convolvulus. Sheet 8, price 2s.--Fruit: Peach, Apple, Pear, Plums, Red Grapes, Green Grapes. Flowers: Lilium Lancifolium, Picotee, Fuschia, Scarlet Geranium, Marigold Sonicera. Sheet 9, price 1s. 6d.--Ipomæa Horsfallii, Ipomæa Rubro-cærulea. Sheet 10, price 1s. 6d.--Hibiscus Splendens. Sheet 11, price 1s. 6d.--Ipomæa. Sheet 12, price 1s. 6d.--Yellow Hibiscus.