Facts for Everybody by the Editors of “The Family Friend” c1860’s

Facts for Everybody is a captivating Victorian encyclopedia compiled by the editors of The Family Friend and published by the renowned London firm Ward & Lock of Fleet Street. Produced during the mid-19th century, this substantial reference work was designed to bring practical and educational knowledge into the everyday household, reflecting the Victorian era’s passion for self-improvement, science, discovery, and useful learning.

Covering a wide variety of subjects, the volume includes information relating to the arts and sciences, literature, commerce, anatomy, physiology, gardening, agriculture, household matters, clothing, food, and many other areas of practical and intellectual interest. The title page boldly describes the work as “A Complete Encyclopedia of Useful Knowledge,” and Facts for Everybody remains an engaging and historically revealing snapshot of what educated Victorian society considered important and enlightening.

The book is beautifully presented in its original dark cloth binding with gilt spine titling, retaining strong period character despite visible age and wear. Internally, the typography and engraved title illustrations offer excellent decorative appeal, making Facts for Everybody not only a useful historical reference but also an attractive display piece for collectors of antiquarian books and Victorian ephemera.

Ward & Lock became one of Britain’s best-known publishers of affordable educational and domestic literature, and surviving early examples such as this are increasingly sought after by collectors interested in publishing history, Victorian domestic life, and early encyclopedic works. The inclusion of the H. Tuck printer imprint from West Smithfield further enhances the bibliographic interest of this copy.

An appealing antique volume ideal for collectors of Victorian reference works, decorative clothbound books, and 19th-century social history.

Condition – Good 

Good antique condition. Original cloth boards worn and rubbed with age-related marking and fading to the spine. Binding intact and holding securely. Internally generally clean with age toning present. A solid and attractive Victorian-era copy with strong antiquarian character. Approx. 370 pages. No publication date stated.