The Palace and Park Its Natural History, and Its Portrait Gallery, Together with a Description of the Pompeian Court

About this book

The book is a Victorian guide‑book to the Crystal Palace and its surrounding park, first published in 1859 and revised by F. K. J. Shenton. It opens with a formal title page that lists the various sections, Palace and Park, Portrait Gallery, Ethnology & Natural History, Extinct Animals, and the Pompeian Court, followed by a series of practical notices: an index of principal objects, company announcements, refreshment tariffs, and detailed instructions for reaching the site by train, omnibus, or carriage. The introductory material emphasizes the guide’s purpose as a concise yet comprehensive reference for visitors, promising descriptions of the botanical collection, architectural features, and the myriad exhibitions housed within the massive iron and glass structure. It also includes extensive information on ticket prices, seasonal concerts, lectures, and the amenities available in the dining rooms and refreshment department.

The voice is that of a mid‑nineteenth‑century official pamphlet, formal and exhaustive, peppered with the promotional optimism of the era. Its style combines factual listings with earnest appeals to the public’s desire for education and entertainment. Readers who enjoy detailed historical documents, scholars of Victorian exhibition culture, or anyone fascinated by the logistics and spectacle of the Crystal Palace will find this guide an invaluable snapshot of its time.