Meaning: 'So too' means 'in the same way' or 'also,' suggesting that just as we engage with our devices, Victorians engaged with their reading materials.

Wrong options:

• either: The word 'either' suggests a choice between two options, which does not fit the context of comparison being made here.
• neither: 'Neither' indicates a negative choice between two items, which contradicts the positive comparison intended in the sentence.
• whether: 'Whether' introduces alternatives or conditions, which does not align with the affirmative comparison being made.

Correct answer: Costing

Explanation: The gerund 'Costing' functions as a subject in this context, indicating the price of the penny fiction, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the action of costing in a continuous sense.

Meaning: 'Costing' refers to the act of having a price, specifically indicating that the penny fiction was priced at one old penny.

Wrong options:

• Costed: 'Costed' is the past tense form that is not appropriate here, as the sentence requires a present participle to describe the ongoing nature of the price.
• Having costed: This phrase suggests a completed action, which does not fit the context of describing the price of the novels in a general sense.
• Cost: 'Cost' is a simple past form that does not align with the grammatical structure needed for this sentence.

Correct answer: such as

Explanation: The phrase 'such as' introduces examples, making it grammatically and contextually appropriate to specify Mudie's as an example of circulating libraries.

Meaning: 'Such as' means 'for example,' indicating that Mudie's is one of the libraries being referenced.

Wrong options:

• other than: 'Other than' implies exclusion, which does not fit the context of providing an example of circulating libraries.
• that is: 'That is' is used for clarification, but does not serve the purpose of introducing an example as required here.
• as to: 'As to' indicates a relationship or reference, which does not appropriately introduce an example.

Correct answer: could afford

Explanation: The phrase 'could afford' indicates the ability to pay for something in the past, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the financial capability of working-class people regarding first editions.

Meaning: 'Could afford' means having the financial means to purchase something, specifically referring to the ability to buy first editions.

Wrong options:

• afford: 'Afford' is a base form that does not fit the past context of the sentence, which requires a modal verb to indicate ability.
• having afforded: This phrase suggests a completed action, which does not align with the ongoing context of financial capability being discussed.
• affording: 'Affording' is a gerund that does not fit the grammatical structure needed to express past ability.

Correct answer: would

Explanation: The word 'would' indicates a habitual action in the past, fitting grammatically and contextually as it describes the regular occurrence of collecting among wealthier classes.

Meaning: 'Would' implies a repeated or customary action, suggesting that it was common for wealthier classes to collect books.

Wrong options:

• could: 'Could' indicates ability but does not convey the habitual nature of the action as effectively as 'would.'
• should: 'Should' implies obligation or recommendation, which does not fit the context of describing a past habit.
• did: 'Did' is a simple past form that does not convey the habitual aspect of the action being described.