This stunning edition of Odes and Sonnets was published by Routledge, Warne and Routledge in 1863. So the book is from the earlier part of the Victorian era. It's bound in brown cloth over bevelled boards, with ornate gilt decoration blind stamped to the boards and spine. All edges are gilt.
It's in good condition but does show a slight forward lean. The corners are worn, with splitting to the cloth which has revealed the board beneath. There is some marking and rubbing to the boards, with faint water stains to the front board. The board edges show some shelf wear and bumping, whilst crushing to the spine ends has caused some splitting in the cloth.
Inside, there is a wonderful inscription from 1874, and then an additional note that it was inherited by the Great Grandson of the original giftee in 1952. The pages show light age toning and scattered foxing throughout and there are beautiful illustrations by Birket Foster. The ornamental decorations were created by John Sliegh. There is a crack to the gutter at the decorative title page and it has been reattached with tape. There are two further repairs with plastic tape which has browned with age - Page 37 and one of the final pages.
Dimensions approximately 22.5cm x 16cm x 2cm.
The book will arrive hand wrapped in patterned wallpaper and string.
I use a range of eco friendly, 100% recyclable jiffy bags and boxes, and whenever possible I use brown paper tape. The green bubble wrap is oxo-degradable and the clear bubble wrap is 100% recyclable. I also reuse boxes when I feel it's appropriate (if the boxes are sturdy enough).