Narrative

2. 1) A Portable Cyclopedia; or, Compendious Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, Including the Latest Discoveries (London: Phillips, 1819) by C.T. Watkins was expensive at 14s. in boards, and 15s. bound. Like the Pocket Encyclopedia, it is a single volume covering a range of subjects with a title clearly emphasizing portability. Whereas the Pocket Encyclopedia emphasizes the ‘best authorities’, the Portable Cyclopedia offers the ‘latest discoveries’ – each attempts to attract readers and carve out a niche in a competitive book market.