This was the last book read by Queen Victoria to the Prince Consort during his final illness in December 1861. The point reached three days before his death (page 81, the beginning of Chapter V of Peveril of the Peak) was marked by the Queen. Queen Victoria inscribed in the front: 'This book was / read up to the mark / in Page 81 to my / beloved Husband / during his fatal / illness & within 3 / days of its terrible / termination Dec: 14 / 1861. / VR.'