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Mark wrote

Other than the fact I wish it was a larger print volume, I find it a charming and informatively written text, by someone who still actually seesm adept at the use of the english language to explain.

I agree that writers of  say 80 to 100 years ago had a much better ability to communicate  than authors of today. However it may be that technology of that earlier period was more interesting and easier to describe than 21st century black boxes.

From time to time I read papers  published by the Institute of Railway Signal Enginers (IRSE).  Authors in the 1920s and 1930s had  an informal, relaxed style and the occasional sense of humour. Contrast that with  present day authors who write in a very formal style devoid of any humour or emotion using acronyms and block diagrams to put forward their arguments.

( I will admit that I haven't read many late 20th century  IRSE papers I so may be doing the authors an injustice).

IMHO  if you open a book and it is printed with a sans serif font you immediately know that it will be difficult to read.  LJ Comrie said as much in his introduction to Hughes' Tables.

I would like to obtain an original of Lecky - it would make great bedtime reading. I note that Lecky did not caution against lending One's copy of Wrinkles.