Cambridge University Press (Cambridge, UK)
Series dates: 1910-1930; 2011-2013
Size: 6.5″ x 5″
G.P. Putnam’s Sons (New York, US)
Series dates: 1910-1930
Size: 6.5″ x 5″
Updated 8/18/2024
The initial titles in the Cambridge Manuals of Science and Literature were announced in September 1910 (The Times Literary Supplement, Sept. 1, 1910, p. 311). The series consisted of new titles on scientific and literary topics aimed at the general educated reader. The series is similar to series such as the Home University Library, People’s Library, and Thinker’s Library.
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The Times Literary Supplement, Thursday, Nov. 10, 1910. |
Putnam began issuing the titles in the US around the same time, adding their imprint to the title page on US copies. The earliest jackets and bindings for the series are like the copy below, The Troubadours by H.J. Chattor (first published in the series in 1912. The spine includes the series number (#39), the title, and the price. The title and author are on the front of the jacket, and front jacket flap is blank. It’s possible the series name is on the base of the spine, here missing, but given the length of the series name, probably not.
This particular book has a stamp from the Waitaki Boys High School in Oamaru New Zealand. There are no other library markings, so this may be a prize book.
The rear of the jacket and rear jacket flap are blank:
The red cloth binding replicates the jacket, minus the price on the spine. Leather bindings can also be found on some titles.
Blank endpapers with a sticker from Newbold’s Bookstore in Dunedin, New Zealand.
The half-title page is the first place the series name appears.
The Cambridge University Press imprint faces the title page, which itself reflects the binding and jacket design. This copy only has the Cambridge U.P. imprint on the title page and the year of publication.
A description of the design of the jacket, binding and title page, facing the book’s preface.
“Printed by Turnbull and Spears, Edinburg. A catalog of titles in the series follows.
Press Notices finish off the series catalog.
