This is the January 31, 1857 issue of THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS newspaper. It contains many more illustrations than its' American counterparts Harper's Weekly and Frank Leslie. This issue is in very good condition, the pages are flat, clean, and bright, except for some minor age spots from handling, but nothing serious, and they don't affect the engravings.  As can be seen from the list of articles and illustrations this publication contains many historical stories of the time, and reports of the issues that faced the people of Great Britain at the time.  This issue contains 24 pages.  Additional pictures are available upon request.  Please include your e-mail address.

ARTICLES:

THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT - There is always, according to some persons, a crisis in the national fortunes, and the Parliament that is about to assemble is always charged with duties more important than ever developed upon Parliament in days gone by.  The topics of speech will be the conclusion of the Crimea War, and the strengthening of the Empire at home and make it respected abroad.

SKETCHES FROM CANTON; THE FOREIGN FACTORIES, CANTON PIRATE BOAT – Various aspects of life in Canton are described, including pirate vessels.  An engraving of a “Chinese Pirate Boat at Canton” drawn by a Chinese artist is presented on the cover page.  Another engraving of the English factories in China is presented. (See picture) 

THE DESERT ROUTE – The journal of a correspondents’ trip through the Middle East.  Two engravings are presented: The Camel Drivers, and the Travelers Encamped in the Desert. 

TREE CLIMBING CRABS - Few who look at the vast quantities of crabs, lobsters, sea crayfish, shrimps, and prawns, consider them in any other light than as delicacies for the table.  This lengthy article describes various species, and an engraving of a “Robber Crab” is presented.

NOOKS AND CORNERS OF OLD ENGLAND - THE COWTHORPE OAK – There are few natural objects in this beautiful country of which Englishman are more proud than the majestic Oak.  An engraving of the Cowthorpe Oak, Near Wetherby, York is presented along with a description and history.

THE WAR WITH CHINA – A correspondent gives an account of the progress of the war with China.  A map of the plan of attack on the forts and batteries of Canton, Nov. 12 and 13, 1856 is presented with the description.

THE WAR WITH PERSIA – A correspondents’ description from Camp Thull, Meranzaie, Nov. 30, 1856 is presented with two engravings; “The Peshawur Mountain train in the line of March,” and “Punjaub Battery Preparing to enter the Durwanzal Pass into the Koorum Valley.”

THE COMING SESSION - A retrospect of the period has elapsed since the prorogation of Parliament shows that six months cannot pass over the heads of any given body without producing many changes.  A lengthy article describes these changes and the dignitaries involved. 

THE MILTON VASE - This interesting work of sculpture attracted much admiration at the last exhibition of the Royal Palace.  The subject vase illustrates “Paradise Lost.” An engraving of the vase is presented with a description.

FASHIONS FOR FEBRUARY – This fashion article is accompanied by an engraving of the latest fashion.

THE ENGLISH HOUSE IN DANTZIC - This is an interesting specimen of the picturesque street architecture of the ancient town of Dantzic, noted for its fine old style of building.  An engraving is presented of the architecture.

PORTABLE SCHOOL - Mr. Robert Ault, a builder, at Stourbridge, has the merit of this new application.  Two small engravings of the building are presented.

RUSKIN ON TURNER’S PICTURE OF “THE GODDESS OF DISCORD IN THE GARDEN OF THE HESPERIDES” – Mr. Ruskin gives a critical review of Mr. Turner’s painting.  A full-page engraving of the painting is presented. (See picture)

"UNDER GREEN LEAVES" - A poem by Charles Mackay, with an engraving drawn by Mr. S. Read.  (See picture)

MASTER WALTER, THE PHYSICIAN, A TALE OF OLD LONDON – A lengthy story accompanied by four engraved illustrations.

MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, THE ADDITIONAL TURNERS – Descriptions of the paintings by William Turner that were placed in the Marlborough House.  The “Goddess of Discord in the Garden of the Hesperides” 1806; “Regulus Leaving Rome” 1837, and “Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus” 1829.

“THE IVORY CARVER”- The “Ivory Carver”, is the name of the poem from which the incident is taken. The Carver, inspired by that devotional feeling which is known to have possessed many of those who have engaged upon works of a religious character, has abandoned himself entirely to the production of an ivory Christ, and in the accomplishment of this single object.  An engraving of the painting by E.H. Wehnert is presented. (See picture)

SHIPPING AND HANDLING – Media Mail $4.50