Bidspirit auction | The Realm of Victoria -

The Realm of Victoria - Special Album Published in Honor of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. London, 1887 - First Edition - The Realm of Victoria: 1837–1887 - a special album published in honor of the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign (Golden Jubilee), by W. J. Gordon - published by Perry & Co. Limited, Steel-Pen Makers, Holborn Viaduct, London, 1887 - First edition. Illustrated throughout with color lithographic plates. A documentary item of the highest importance from the height of the Victorian Era, combining historical significance, the art of printing (Chromolithography), and a fascinating chapter in the history of British publishing. A festive historical album produced in London in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee (50 years of her reign). The album presents the history and legacy of the British Empire at the height of its Victorian splendor. It opens with the dramatic moment on the morning of June 20, 1837, when the young Princess Victoria is informed of the death of her uncle, King William IV, and of her accession to the throne. The text continues with her marriage to Prince Albert, her governance of the country and transformation into a national symbol, the events surrounding the Queen's coronation, and the challenges she faced throughout her long reign. The album provides a comprehensive survey of Britain's conquests, the consolidation of British rule in India (Victoria's proclamation as Empress of India in 1876), and the Empire's influence throughout the world (India, Canada, Australia, and Africa). Extensive chapters are also devoted to technological developments during Queen Victoria's reign - the expansion of railway networks, the telegraph, the development of the British Navy (including a survey of the 1886 naval review), and the engineering advances of the age of steam. Throughout the album are exceptionally rich color lithographic plates (including double-page plates spanning two pages), illustrated by the renowned Victorian artist Richard André, as well as dozens of black-and-white engravings depicting historic sites (such as Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and others), national events, and portraits of prominent figures. The binding is likewise impressively designed - an illustration of Queen Victoria in her youth upon her accession to the throne in 1837, juxtaposed with her portrait as Queen decades later in the year of her Golden Jubilee (1887). Surrounding these are decorations including the royal crown, the ”Victoria Cross”, the national flowers of the realm (the English rose, Scottish thistle, and Irish shamrock), and, in the background, an illustration of an Eastern palace representing the Empire's rule in India. 62 pages. 30 cm. Wide leaves. Some stains on some of the leaves. Tears and minor losses to the spine and front cover. Overall good condition.