Penny Dreadfuls and Boys’ Adventures: The Barry Ono Collection of Victorian Popular Literature in the British Library

Penny dreadfuls — sensational stories published in weekly parts — were an important feature of Victorian popular literature. Often anonymous, and inspired by the melodramas of the day, they formed a lively part of nineteenth-century sub-culture. One of the most comprehensive collections of these scarce and fragile items was built up and then bequeathed to The British Library by music-hall performer Barry Ono. This is the first full catalogue, complete with a wide-ranging introduction by Helen R. Smith, indexes, and photographs of some of the rarest items. With the bookplate and pencil signature of Gavin Bridson. xxii, 122 pages. cloth, dust jacket. 8vo..