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AN INEXPENSIVE LIBRARY OF INDISPENSABLE BOOKS.

THE

MINERVA LIBRARY

OF FAlVtOUS BOOKS.

Edited by G. T. BETTANY, M.A., B.Sc, F.L.S.

An Illustrated Series of first-class books, averaging from 400 to 600 pages, strongly and attractively bound in cloth,

PRICE TWO SHILLINGS EACH VOLUME,

WITH CUT OR UNCUT EDGES.

In Half Morocco, marbled sides, gilt top, Price Five Shillings Each Volume.

The Design and Plan of the MINERVA LIBRARY OF FAMOUS BOOKS have been amply justified by the remarkable favour with which it has been received by the press and the public. The design is to provide at the lowest possible cost books which every intelligent reader will wish to possess, in a form readable, attractive, and lasting. The issue at monthly intervals, not so frequent as to distract, not so intermittent as to lose the advantage of regularity, enables readers to add to their library at an almost imperceptible cost. Thus for about one pound a year, every man may form a library which will afford an ever- increasing source of gratification and cultivation to himself and his family. There will be no doubt, as in buying the novelties of the day, as to whether the new volume will prove to be of permanent value and interest. It will have already stood the test of time and of good critics, though frequently it may have been unattainable except at a heavy cost. The Minerva Library will only include works of widespread popularity, which have proved themselves worthy of a permanent place in literature.

Variety Will be Studied in the selection of books, so that all classes of the best literature of all nations may be represented. The adoption of the name "Minerva" will be justified by the abundant wisdom, thought, and imaginative and inventive power which the books will be found to contain.

Each volume Contains an introduction by the Editor, in which a biography of the author, or critical or explanatory notes, place the reader in sympathy with the author and his work. In some of the books additional elucidations and illustrations of the text are given, and in others side-notes indicate the subjects of the paragraphs.

The number Of separate Plates as well as illustrations in the text forms a marked feature of the series. As far as possible an authentic portrait of every author will be given. An inspection of the books only is needed to make their attractiveness evident.