Justin Croft : Rare & Fine Antiquarian Books - Specialist in antiquarian books, especially in the field of literature, history, social sciences, religion, art and architecture, science and medicine

A rare miniature seaside souvenir from Deal, Kent. Though undated, several of the views depict the iron pleasure pier opened in 1864 and perhaps this ephemeral item was printed to accompany the opening. The views present a rather elegant view of a Victorian seaside town full of fashionably attired promenaders. The town would have been working hard to dispel its reputation for infamy and gloom reported earlier in the century by Cobbett ("a most villainous place. It is full of filthy looking people") and later by Dickens in Bleak House. Besides the pier there are images of the esplanade, castle, barracks and church.