‘History of Scotland’ (1851)

This is Miss Julia Corner’s offering from her ‘Historical Library’ series of schoolbooks. It’s not been too well kept but that wouldn’t necessarily be surprising from a textbook meant for usage in the classroom. With this particular book we even know in who’s classroom it was used due to the helpful inscription on the publisher’s page. I received a note along with the book from the Australian Antiquarian Booksellers, Kay Craddock, from where this publication was purchased after a Patron there, Michelle, advised me of its existence, that tells us;

   “Julia Corner (1798-1875) was best known for her educational history books, some of which were illustrated with engravings after paintings by Sir John Gilbert. The inscription on the title page is by John Mills, Brier Cottage, Parramatta, and he presumably used Corner’s books in his school. (He advertised in the Sydney Morning Herald on 11 July 1857: ‘Brier Cottage Academy, Parramatta, Mr. Mills will have vacancies for one or two additional pupils. School duties will commence on Tuesday, the 14th instant [July]‘).”

After the ‘Treaty of Union Articles‘ research, I’m not onboard with her Preface sentiments. Fairly sure, after reading Chalmers’ ‘Life of Mary‘ (1822) through a couple of times, that I’d not be too onboard with her views regarding Queen Mary either, but I’ve been surprised by authors before. The  5 illustrations are of the coronation of infant monarchs (David II. and Joan of the Tower), a Map of Scotland, the abdication of Henry IV. of England, James V. escape from the Regent Douglas, and Queen Mary’s escape into England. That 2 of them are of England and none particularly Scotland-positive, gives me an idea of what to expect from this one, but again, I have been surprised. We’ll see. There is a useful chronological timeline of Scottish history from 80 CE to 1842.

 

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, Cover & Spine.

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, Frontispiece;

“The Coronation of the Infant King David 2^nd & his Queen at Scone.”

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, Publisher’s Page with Inscription;

“John Mills,

                               Brier Cottage,

                                             Parramatta,

                                              1855″

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, Map of Scotland.

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, Preface, p.iii.

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, Preface (cont.), p.iv.

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, p.48a;

“The forced abdication of Henry IV. [of England].”

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, p.100a;

“James V. having escaped from the Regent Douglas, taking refuge in Stirling Castle.”

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, p.118a;

“Queen Mary’s escape to England.”

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, Chronological Table and Index, p.183.

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, Chronological Table and Index, pp.184-5.

J. Corner (1851), ‘History of Scotland,’ London: Thomas Dean and Son, Chronological Table and Index, p.186.