CAPTAIN CUTTLE'S MAILBAG

This book anthologizes the most interesting exchanges from the First Series of Notes and Queries (1849–55). Here, ordered by subject―with judicious footnotes, of course―are delightfully pedantic remarks on the daily life and amusements of olden times, the doings of faeries, revolting folk remedies, strange forgotten, poetry good and bad, and oddities of natural history, among many other things. Also included is a selection of advertisements from the magazine, for such products as Grosjean's Celebrated Trowsers, Rimmel's Toilet Vinegar (good for several purposes), and the Rev.

Edmund Saul Dixon's treatise on Ornamental and Domestic Poultry: Their History and Management. Original drawings add an extra touch of humor throughout, and a lively introduction describes the history and workings of Notes and Queries. Full of useless information and Victorian fustiness, Captain Cuttle's Mailbag will fascinate trivia buffs and time travelers alike.