As a practical explanation of the above views, Three Sample Volumes of the "National Illustrated Library" were published on the 31st of March. It will be observed that these volumes are widely different in character, in order that the public may form some idea of the extent and variety of the series generally. Afterwards, one volume will be issued monthly. Each volume will contain at least 320 crown octavo pages, illustrated according to the requirements of the subject-matter, by from 30 to 100 illustrations, and will be strongly bound in ornamental cloth boards. Thus, for 30s. a year, in the course of a short period, a Library of great extent and interest may be formed, which shall furnish materials for instruction and amusement during the course of a long life.
The chief advantages which this series of works will present over all others—more especially the closely printed double column editions, and the new fashioned, though equally objectionable, Shilling books, with their numerous errors, thin paper, and flimsy binding, are the following:—
1. A carefully Revised Text.
2. Judicious Explanatory Foot Notes.
3. Engravings really Illustrating the Text.
4. A new and legible Type.
5. Good Paper and Printing.
6. Strong neat Binding.
In carrying out their undertaking it will be the endeavour of the projectors to bestow upon Half-crown Volumes for the many the same typographical accuracy, and the same artistic ability, hitherto almost exclusively devoted to high-priced books for the few. Supported by the co-operation of the Reading Public, no pains will be spared to provide every English home with a complete treasury of knowledge and entertainment in the volumes of the "National Illustrated Library."