Historical information

Author John William Colenso (1814-1883) was a mathematician, missionary and renowned clergyman in the Anglican Church. In 1853 he became the first Bishop of Natal, South Africa.

The publisher firm, Longmans, Green & Co., was originally founded in 1724 in London by Thomas Longman under the name Longman. In August of that year, he bought the two shops and goods of William Taylor and set up his publishing house there at 39 Paternoster Row. The shops were called Black Swan and Ship, and it is said that the 'ship' sign was the inspiration for Longman's Logo. After many changes of name and management, the firm was incorporated in 1926 as Longmans, Green & Co. Pty Ltd. The firm was acquired by Pearson in 1968 and was known as Pearson Longman or Pearson PLC.

The printer, Spottiswoode and Co,, was established in 1738 by William Strahan, with premises in New Street Square, London. The growing firm advertised as Printers, Lithographers, Stationers, Electrotypers, Publishers, and Booksellers and by 1914 there were 1,000 employees.

Significance

The book is significant for its connection to 19th-century author John William Colenso, was a mathematician and Anglican clergyman who had several works published. The publisher and printer of this book are also significant in their roles for being established in the early 18th century, contributing to the education of the studies of the scholars of the day.
The book is also significant for its connection to the publisher Longmans, Green and Co., of London, and printer Spottiswoode & Co., firms that have been established for around two centuries, renowned for publishing and printing reference works that contributed to the education of scholars over many years.

Physical description

The Elements of Euclid by John William Colenso, D.D. (new edition)
[The Elements of Euclid (the parts read in the University of Cambridge) from the text of Dr Robert Simson with Geometrical Examples by John William Colenso, D.D., Lord Bishop of Natal}
Date: 1846
Publisher: Longmans Green and Co, London
Printer: Spottiswoode and Co, New Street
Navy blue textured hardcover on the book, with title on a label on the spine.

Inscriptions & markings

Text on spine