This sample book consists only of specimen pages and plates. Unlike canvassing books, and even many sample books, which have only representative pages and plates, this specimen is complete up to page 144, where it simply stops. Anticipating the end of the Civil War, the publishers were attempting to be among the first to profit from it. According to them, "Volume II will be published so soon as practicable after the close of the War, and in all respects will be fully equal to Vol. I." This specimen, intended for magazine and newspaper editors, was an attempt to solicit favorable notices even before publication. The publisher also produced a distinct canvassing book for this title, to be used by book agents soliciting subscriptions. The back of the wrappers, announcing that the work will be "sold exclusively by subscription," provides a price list for the work and advertises for agents to sell it.