Description

Original 1923 Advert – The Masterpiece Library of Short Stories – Mounted Literary Print (13 x 24 cm)

Description:

Step back into the literary heritage of the 1920s with this original 1923 vintage advertisement for “The Masterpiece Library of Short Stories”, edited by renowned literary figure J. A. Hammerton. Promoting a monumental 20-volume collection of over a thousand short stories, this elegant black-and-white print celebrates the richness of global literature from all eras and cultures.

This beautifully typeset advert highlights the timeless value of the short story, referred to as a “delightful, vivid, popular art,” while illustrating an image of the set proudly displayed in a wooden bookshelf. Literary enthusiasts will note the distinguished editorial board of eminent literary critics, whose portraits are featured at the top, adding to its collectible appeal.

📌 Product Details:

• Advert Title: The Masterpiece Library of Short Stories – 20 Sumptuous Volumes
• Date: Circa 1923
• Mounted Dimensions: Approx. 13 x 24 cm
• Publisher: Possibly The Amalgamated Press / Fleetway House, under editor J.A. Hammerton
• Visual Features: Woodcut-style portraits of the editorial board, image of the bookshelf, early 20th-century typography
• Location Mentioned: London, with South African edition info

📚 Historical Note:
J. A. Hammerton was a prolific British editor best known for assembling encyclopedic and literary collections that were widely distributed in the early 20th century. This advert not only reflects a golden era in affordable, mass-distributed home libraries but also evokes the period’s growing appetite for curated, world-class fiction in accessible form.

🧾 Condition Note:
This advert is an original print from 1923, professionally mounted on black cardboard for preservation. As with all antique paper ephemera, signs of aging such as light tanning, faint creasing, or edge wear may be present. These characteristics only enhance its vintage authenticity and charm.

🎯 Perfect For:

• Collectors of literary history
• J.A. Hammerton enthusiasts
• Ephemera collectors
• Bookshop or library display décor
• Lovers of antique typography and printing