1858 Mrs. Caudle’s Curtain Lectures by Douglas Jerrold
Scarce Illustrated Edition | Half Leather Binding | Victorian Satire
 
Book Overview
 
A scarce and beautifully presented early illustrated edition of Mrs. Caudle’s Curtain Lectures by Douglas Jerrold, published in 1858 by Bradbury and Evans, London. Bound in a handsome half-calf leather binding with four raised bands on the panelled spine and marbled boards. It features all-edge sprinkled pages and coloured pastedowns and endpapers. This edition includes two illustrations, making it a significant early posthumous printing following Jerrold’s death in 1857. First serialised in Punch in the 1840s, this 1858 printing offers both literary and historical importance.
 
Originally published as a series of humorous domestic sketches in Punch magazine in 1845, this edition is one of the earliest examples in book form. A fine collectible and a charming reflection of Victorian domestic satire.
 
Publisher: Bradbury and Evans,11, Bouverie Street, London
Printed by: Bradbury and Evans, Whitefriars, London
Publication Date: 1858
Pages Present: All 97 pages present
Measurements: Approx. 18.2 cm x 12.2 cm x 1.2 cm
Weight: Approx. 156 grams
 
Exterior Condition
 
Bound in a handsome half calf binding with marbled paper-covered boards, the spine features a panelled spine with raised bands, and a red leather title label. The edges are sprinkled, and the endpapers and pastedowns are coloured.
 
The cover is in a good condition for its age, but there is some expected wear for a book which is nearly 170 years old. This includes:
Light rubbing and surface scratches to the leather and paper
Fading to parts of the cover
Small or light marks and stains
Bumping and small rips to the corners
 
The cover remains intact and robust, with a strong spine and an attractive Victorian appearance. Please consult the provided photographs for visual reference.
 
Interior Condition
 
The pages are lightly tanned with age and retain an overall very neat and clean presentation. They are:
Uncreased and free from heavy handling wear
Without pen or pencil markings anywhere inside
Occasionally showing small or very light marks, which do not obscure text or illustrations
Free from annotations
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There are a few extremely small rips at the edges of a small handful of pages, which are barely noticeable and do not affect readability. The pages are mostly tightly bound with a light crack at the gutter beside the preface, though all pages remain secure. There are no missing pages.
 
Historical & Literary Context
 
Mrs. Caudle’s Curtain Lectures was a satirical triumph in the mid-19th century, first published serially in Punch magazine beginning in 1845. Jerrold created the fictional character of Mrs. Caudle, a nagging wife who delivers passive-aggressive bedtime lectures to her silent husband, Mr. Caudle. The sketches sharply critique Victorian social expectations, gender roles, and marital dynamics through humour and irony.
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This 1858 edition represents one of the earliest examples in printed book form and is now considered scarce, particularly in such well-preserved condition.
 
About the Author
 
Douglas Jerrold (1803–1857) was a British playwright, journalist, and humorist. He rose to fame as a social commentator through his satirical writing in Punch, influencing public discourse during the Victorian era.