Scenes of the Olden Time 1874 – Illustrated Victorian Book by W. H. Davenport Adams
 
Scenes of the Olden Time
 
By the author of “Records of Noble Lives,” “Sunshine of Domestic Life,” and “The Boy Makes the Man”
(Attributed to William Henry Davenport Adams)
Published by T. Nelson and Sons, Paternoster Row, London, 1874.
 
Bibliographic Details
 
Title: Scenes of the Olden Time
Author: Attributed to William Henry Davenport Adams (1828–1891)
Publisher: T. Nelson and Sons, Paternoster Row, London
Publication Date: 1874
Format: Illustrated hardcover
Pagination: 168 pages
Illustrations: Frontispiece plate plus full-page illustrations facing pages 34, 56, 72, and 120, along with smaller vignette illustrations at the start of several chapters
Dimensions: Approximately 17.2 × 12 × 2.3 cm
Weight: Approximately 301 grams
 
Binding and Exterior Condition
 
Bound in striking blue cloth over the boards and spine, with black decorative borders, gilt lettering, and a pasted small colour illustration to the front cover. The spine is richly decorated in gilt and black, with gilt title lettering. The rear board is finished with blind-stamped decoration.

The cover remains intact and robust, showing only moderate wear consistent with age, including some rubbing to corners and edges, slight creasing to the cloth, and small splits along parts of the spine edge. The overall presentation remains handsome, with the gilt still bright and decorative detail clear.
 
Interior Condition
 
The front and rear pastedowns and endpapers show areas of foxing, typical of books from this period. The text pages are lightly tanned but generally clean and unmarked, with only the occasional small mark or light crease.

The book is complete with all 168 pages, tightly bound, and all plates are present and accounted for.
 
A few pages show minor gutter cracks, notably between the frontispiece and title page, and between a few internal gatherings, but the binding remains overall secure.
A few small thread holes are visible at the inner margin of some pages, a remnant of the hand-binding process. These do not affect the text.
 
On the front free endpaper, a pen inscription in stylised black lettering reads:
“Sarah H. R. Pleate. First Prize For Progress. December 1876, Neath Villa.”
There is also a small amount of pencil writing on the front pastedown.
This personal inscription, likely by a prize winner in a school or local competition, adds a human historical trace; although no known records have yet surfaced for Sarah Pleate or “Neath Villa.”
 
Contents Overview
 
A beautifully written series of essays and descriptive sketches that evoke the customs, festivals, and domestic life of England’s past. Chapters include:
Twelfth Day, Valentine’s Day, April Fools’ Day, Hawking, Eastertide, May Day, Midsummer, Tournaments, Archery, Wells and Fountains, September, and Christmas Merrymakings.

Each section weaves together historical references, literary quotations (from Herrick, Shakespeare, Chaucer, and others), and observations on English traditions, providing an engaging Victorian perspective on the nation’s seasonal and cultural heritage.
 
About the Author
 
William Henry Davenport Adams (1828–1891) was a prolific Victorian author, journalist, translator, and lexicographer. He published over 100 works and frequently collaborated with T. Nelson & Sons, producing richly illustrated moral and historical volumes. His writings explored themes of character, domestic virtue, and English history, often written in a tone that blended education with entertainment.
 
Rarity and Market Context
 
Few copies of Scenes of the Olden Time appear on the market. 
 
Summary
 
A handsome illustrated Victorian volume, rich in literary charm and period detail, offering a nostalgic journey through English customs and traditions. With complete plates, ornate gilt and pictorial cover, and historical significance linked to prolific author William Henry Davenport Adams, Scenes of the Olden Time is a notable addition to any collection of 19th-century illustrated or moral works.