The Story

This isn't a novel with a plot, but a snapshot of a year. The Annual Catalogue: Numb. II. (1738) is exactly what it sounds like: a published list of items available for sale or trade in that year. Compiled from various booksellers and merchants, it’s a direct line to the 18th-century mind. You’re not following characters; you’re browsing their world. Page by page, you encounter textbooks on navigation, sermons, poetry collections, medical tonics, globes, fine fabrics, and seeds for exotic plants. The ‘story’ is the collective ambition and daily reality of a society, laid out in columns and prices.

Why You Should Read It

Reading this feels like detective work. The real magic isn't in any single entry, but in the connections you make. Why are there so many books on sea travel? What does the popularity of certain fabrics say about fashion and class? You see what knowledge was valued (law, religion, science) and what comforts were sought (tea, snuff, music). It removes the grand historical narrative and gives you the raw materials of life. It’s quiet, fascinating, and makes history feel tangible and personal.

Final Verdict

This is a book for a specific, curious reader. It’s perfect for history lovers who enjoy primary sources, for writers seeking authentic period details, or for anyone who likes to people-watch across centuries. Don’t expect a thrilling narrative—expect a slow, rewarding immersion. Think of it as the most detailed, real-world historical archive you can hold in your hands. If you’ve ever wondered ‘what did they actually have back then?’, this book has the answers.