Each volume contains an introduction by the Editor, in which a biography of the author, or critical or explanatory notes, place the reader in sympathy with the author and his work. In some of the books additional elucidations and illustrations of the text are given, and in others side-notes indicate the subjects of the paragraphs. The number of separate Plates as well as illustrations in the text forms a marked feature of the series. As far as possible an authentic portrait of every author will be given. An inspection of the books only is needed to make their attractiveness evident. Every Englishman who reads and thinks, and wishes to possess the BEST BOOKS, should have every book in the Minerva library. The Youth beginning to form a Library of books for lifelong companionship cannot do better than subscribe to the Minerva Library. Schools, Mechanics, and Village Libraries, and literary institutions of all kinds, should provide themselves with a number of copies of this inexpensive library of indispensable books. The Artisan and the Shop-assistant will find their means and opportunities consulted in this series. They cannot buy the best books in the English language in a better and cheaper form combined. Naturally every Englishman wants to possess the choice works of the greatest Englishmen; and to complete his ideas as a citizen of the world, he needs a selection of the greatest writings of the geniuses of other countries. Both these wants it is the object of the Minerva Library to supply. VOLUME I.--EIGHTH EDITION. CHARLES DARWIN'S JOURNAL During the Voyage of H.M.S. "Beagle" Round the World. With a Biographical Introduction by the Editor, Portrait of Darwin, and Illustrations. "'The Minerva Library,' the new venture of Messrs. Ward & Lock, has made an excellent start.... No better volumes could be chosen for popular reading of a healthy sort than 'Darwin's Journal of Researches during the Voyage of the Beagle,' and 'Borrow's Bible in Spain.' The paper is good, the type is tolerable, the binding is in excellent taste, and the price is extremely low."--_Athenæum._ VOLUME II.--FOURTH EDITION. THE INGOLDSBY LEGENDS. With a Critical Introduction by the Editor, Portrait of the Author, and reproductions of the celebrated Illustrations by Phiz and Cruikshank. "This series, which is edited by Mr. G.T. Bettany, is neatly bound, well illustrated, and nicely printed."--_Graphic._ "The determination of the publishers of the 'Minerva Library' to render the series attractive and representative of English literature of all kinds, is strikingly displayed in this volume.... The book is well printed and bound, and will be eagerly welcomed by all desiring to obtain at a small cost a good edition of the works of the famous humourist."--_Liverpool Courier._ VOLUME III.--THIRD EDITION.