1887 History of Russia in Words of One Syllable Helen Ainslie Smith Illus # 1353

Antique History of Russia in Words of One Syllable by Helen Ainslie Smith, illustrated and published by George Routledge & Sons, New York and London. This fascinating late-19th-century history book was written in simplified one-syllable language and is part of Routledge’s popular “Words of One Syllable” educational series. The copyright page states Copyright 1887 by Joseph L. Blamire. The book features highly decorative full-color pictorial boards showing Russian architecture, heraldry, and historical scenes, along with numerous detailed black-and-white engraved illustrations throughout. Subjects include Russian rulers, cities, military history, customs, and peoples of the Russian Empire. An early handwritten ownership inscription on the front endpaper reads approximately “Frank Stetson, Xmas ’88,” providing an interesting period provenance. Details: * Title: History of Russia in Words of One Syllable * Author: Helen Ainslie Smith * Publisher: George Routledge & Sons * Copyright: 1887 * Illustrated throughout * Decorative color pictorial hardcover * Part of Routledge’s Words of One Syllable series * Late Victorian-era children’s/history book Condition: Fair antique condition with substantial age and handling wear. Pictorial boards show rubbing, scratches, staining, surface wear, edge loss, and heavily worn corners. The spine and outer hinge area show significant wear and separation, with exposed binding material/threads near the upper edge. Interior pages show age toning, scattered spotting, staining, and handling wear. Illustrations remain attractive and clearly printed. The book has not been collated page-by-page for completeness. Please examine all photographs carefully, especially the spine and binding, as they are an important part of the condition description. A visually striking 1887 Victorian illustrated history of Russia, desirable for collectors of antique children’s books, Russian history, Victorian educational books, and decorative pictorial bindings.