Square bound journal-type book. The Society of Arts Prize Essay which describes how far mechanics' institutes "may be developed and combined, so as to promote the moral well-being and industry of the country ...". The author passionately bemoans the government's indifference in funding education "while other countries have been moving unostentatiously onward in the path of education". Chapters on history, objects and methods of adult instruction, business management and the union of institutes. Author, James Hole Esq. Honorary Secretary of the Yorkshire Union of Mechanics' Institutions'. Printed in Leeds by Charles Goodall. Signed by G.R. Redgrave, manuscript date Feb 1882 and the RCTI 1881 stamp. Inside cover, in manuscript "To G.R. Redgrave, with the authors kindest regards".