Random Shots by Max Adeler c1880s Ward Lock Copyright Edition Illustrated
 
Random Shots by Max Adeler
Illustrated by Arthur B. Frost
Published by Ward, Lock & Co., Warwick House, Dorset Buildings, Salisbury Square, London
Circa 1878–1890 | Copyright Edition | Illustrated Humour | Antiquarian Binding
 
Description
 
A charming late 19th-century humour volume by Max Adeler (pseudonym of Charles Heber Clark), illustrated throughout with numerous humorous engravings by Arthur B. Frost, the celebrated American illustrator renowned for his lively comic sketches.
 
Published by Ward, Lock & Co., this copyright edition likely dates from circa 1878-1890, following the original U.S. first edition of 1878 and preceding the company’s 1891 rebranding as Ward, Lock and Bowden. The work captures Adeler’s distinctive American wit and anecdotal storytelling, brought vividly to life through Frost’s expressive 
illustrations.
 
Binding and Exterior Condition
 
Bound in red textured cloth with gilt lettering and small decorative motifs to the spine, and embossed ornamental borders to the boards. The cover remains intact and robust, showing only light age-related wear:
Slight fading and lean to the spine
Several marks
Bumping and rubbing to corners
Small rips at the head and tail of the spine
Minor creases to the spine
An extremely small pinprick hole on the front board
All edges are marbled, adding a handsome decorative finish. Overall, a well-preserved and attractive example of a late Victorian humour binding.
 
Interior Condition
 
The interior features orange pastedowns and endpapers, bright with no pen or pencil inscriptions.
Light foxing throughout, not obscuring text or illustrations
Occasional small marks or stains but text remains clear and legible
Small holes to the front pastedown and free endpaper, possibly from historic insect activity
A few pinprick holes and minute edge tears, none affecting text
Half-title page loose, with small rips and a crack in the front gutter
A light crack between a couple of internal gatherings, though binding remains sound overall
No missing pages – complete with all 326 pages present
The pages are otherwise neat, mostly uncreased, and pleasantly aged with a uniform tone.
 
Dimensions
 
Approx. 17.2 × 12.4 × 2.5 cm
Weight: c. 383g
 
Historical Context
 
Max Adeler was the pseudonym of Charles Heber Clark (1841–1915), an American humorist and journalist often compared to Mark Twain. His witty tales and character sketches found an enthusiastic audience on both sides of the Atlantic.
 
The illustrator, Arthur Burdett Frost (1851–1928), was one of America’s most popular illustrators of the late 19th century, known for his humorous depictions of everyday life and vivid character expression.
 
The publisher, Ward, Lock & Co. was founded in 1854 and moved to Warwick House, Salisbury Square, London in 1878. This edition, issued as a “Copyright Edition”, follows the U.S. first edition of 1878 and predates 1891, when James Bowden became a partner and the firm became Ward, Lock and Bowden. This places the book securely in the circa 1878-1890 period.
 
Summary
 
An engaging and beautifully illustrated example of late Victorian humour publishing, combining the comic brilliance of Max Adeler with Arthur B. Frost’s lively drawings. An attractive and characterful antiquarian volume from one of London’s foremost publishers of the era.