undertaking in its national, social, scientific, and artistic light, we
have not met with one so completely pervaded by a spirit of universality
as this book of Mr. Berlyn's. In matters of detail and relation his
narrative is explicit and lucid; where he has touched on the history of
an art or a manufacture he is correct in his data; and in tracing the
Exhibition to its true source he has displayed a highly philosophical
insight into the spirit of the age. Within the pages of his book will be
found a faithful record of the most important meetings of the Royal
Commissioners, as well as those convened by the corporations of cities,
by societies, or by private individuals, for the furtherance of the great
work in hand. To these is appended a verbatim report of the speeches
delivered at these meetings by the distinguished men who were invited to
preside over them; and the enlightened, liberal, and hopeful spirit which
pervades their addresses forms a cheerful contrast to the ominous
predictions of certain political and theological fanatics. After a full
discussion of what may be termed the _business_ portion of the subject,
Mr. Berlyn closes his excellent little book with a brief but eloquent and
comprehensive consideration of the beneficial results which are likely to
accrue from this great national undertaking, not only to ourselves but
mankind in general. The entire absence of partiality or prejudice
throughout the book, and the very interesting information contained in it
for all matters directly or indirectly connected with the Exhibition,
induce us to recommend the author to publish editions of it in the French
and German languages. By this means he would be conferring a boon on our
country's guests."
LADY'S NEWSPAPER.
"Mr. Peter Berlyn has produced a well arranged, clear, and concise hand
book to this wonder of the world, in which he traces its origin,
progress, and prospects, in a pleasing and interesting manner. This must
have been a most difficult task, as the materials out of which he has
formed his narrative are so widely scattered that it requires some one
who perfectly and profoundly understands the subject (as we are convinced
Mr. Berlyn does) to collect and arrange them in so satisfactory a manner.
The ladies also will hail this work with pleasure, because, though
containing every information on the subject, it is at the same time
light, interesting, and infinitely superior to the dry and prosy style
usually adopted in similar works. It is tastefully illustrated, has an
elegant fancy binding, and forms a guide-book either for the library or
the pocket."
NOTES AND QUERIES.
"A volume carefully compiled from authentic sources of information upon
the several points set forth in its ample title page."
GARDENER AND FARMERS' JOURNAL.
"We do not go out of our province as horticultural journalists in
noticing a work recently issued by Mr. Gilbert, of Paternoster-row. Our
friends in the provinces will do well to study beforehand as many of the
probable incidents of their trip as possible; and, though innumerable
prints and tabular descriptions of the Exhibition Building have been
issued, we have not had anything before like a connected history of the
great project itself. The work before us is called 'A Popular Narrative
of the Origin, History, Progress, and Prospects of the Great Exhibition
of 1851; and we think the author, Mr. Berlyn, has treated his subject in
perfect accordance with the title. More than this it is quite unnecessary
to say as to the merits of the work; but we may just notice that the
'getting-up' has evidently been intrusted to careful hands. The binding
is neat and tasteful, and, besides a ground-plan, a perspective view of
the building is given."
MINING JOURNAL.
"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."
* * * * * *
_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.
----
"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._
----
_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.
----
_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.
----
_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._
----
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.
----
GILBERT'S EXHIBITION LETTER-PAPER,