Answer:
B) a very large, heavy book
Explanation:
“Ponderous folio volume” as used in the paragraph in the passage connotes a somewhat large, and heavy book that is voluminous. From the description that follows, we can tell what is being described is a book that is huge, given that it is “bound in black leather, with massive silver clasps”. So, therefore, the most likely meaning of the phrase “ponderous folio volume”, considering the available options given, is “B) a very large, heavy book”