FIRST 20 ISSUES OF THE LONDON PIONEER, 1846: SCARCE WEEKLY PERIODICAL

(LONDON). London Pioneer. [Utility, instruction, amusement, and information, for all ages, sexes, and classes]. Volume I, Numbers 1-20 (April 30-September 7, 1846). London: B.D. Cousins, 1846. Small folio, original half blue-green patterned cloth, pale brown boards. $450.

First 20 issues of Cousins’ informative weekly, with wood-engraved masthead image of Hercules slaying the Hydra.

The London Pioneer went through 104 weekly issues between April 30, 1846 and April 13, 1848. Devoted almost entirely to general intelligence (rather than "news"), the Pioneer takes as its metaphor Hercules slaying the Many-Headed Hydra, that is, the heads "of Monopoly, of Bigotry, of Superstition, of Ignorance, Nationalism, War, Hothouse Industry, at which we must ever and anon have a hew with our axe." Subtitle varies slightly (number 1 entitled Penny Satirist and London Pioneer). Armorial bookplate. Owner signature.

Interior very clean (only light scattered foxing to preliminary and final leaves), light rubbing to contemporary boards. Scarce.