262 CHAMBERS, KNIGHT, AND CASSELL. becoming acquainted." A curious subject on which to consult one's publisher, but then Mr, Knight was something more, and immediately promised such remuneration and regular employment as would free Kitto's entrance into wedded life from the charge of imprudence. The " Bilder Bibel," then publishing in Germany, suggested to Mr. Knight his " Pictorial Bible ;" and Kitto, after having tested hisjDwn fitness for the work thoroughly, boldly undertook to execute the whole task, giving up, of course, all other work, and receiving 250 a year during the progress of the book, and on completion such a sum of money as seemed a small fortune. This completed and it was one of the most remunerative works upon which Mr. Knight was ever engaged he commenced his " Palestine," and in such subjects Kitto found at last his true vocation. The "-Pictorial History " occupied seven years in coming out, in parts, of course. Mr. Craik wrote the social, religious, and commercial portions, and Mr. C. Macfarlane undertook the larger department of civil and military history ; many other gentlemen also contributed. The same fault occurred here as in the " Penny Encyclopaedia" it was too long for serial pub- lication. By an error of judgment on the part of the editors, four of the eight volumes were devoted to the reign of George III. ; the subscribers became weary, and the project turned out to be a commercial failure. This was followed in 1843 by the "Illustrated London," certainly the best and most trustworthy history we yet have in extenso of the great metropolis. The issue of the "weekly volumes" was also in progress, commencing with a " Life of Caxton," by
