BABBAGE, Charles (1791-1871). The Exposition of 1851. London: John Murray, 1851.

First edition, containing a valuable description of Babbage's Difference Engine which was not put on display at the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace despite being arguably the finest product of precision mechanical engineering yet made. Origins of Cyberspace 67; Norman 95; Van Sinderen 1980, no. 61.

Octavo (225 x 135mm). Half-title, with last two leaves of integral ads, 16pp. of publisher's ads at end dated January 1851 (spotting to edges, half-title, final leaf of ads and a few margins). Original green fine ripple-grain cloth by Remnant & Edmonds with their ticket (spine and edges evenly faded, faint ring on upper cover). Provenance: Edward Strutt, first Baron Belper (1801-1880, politician; signature, bookplate) – two words crossed out in ink on p.179.

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