This late Victorian alphabet, written and illustrated by Mary Frances Ames (writing as Mrs. Ernest Ames), aims to teach young Britons their ABCs — along with a veneration for military might, empire, and colonialism.

At the end of the 19th century, the British Empire was nearing the zenith of its empire and territorial holdings. With unchallenged naval superiority, Britain extended formal control over India and large swaths of Africa, as well as indirect economic control over many more nations.

That global hegemony is celebrated in this children’s book, with racist illustrations of tiger hunts in India, “naughty” Africans in chains, and fearsome displays of military power to excite the next generation of conquerors.

It also includes classic British icons such as roast beef and unicorns.