This beautiful edition of Proverbial Philosophy by Martin Tupper was published by Hatchard and Co in 1860. It is bound in red cloth over bevelled boards, and has ornate gilt decoration blind stamped into the boards and spine. The text block edges are gilt. The book is a collection of philosophical poems written in the mid 19th century.
This fine binding is a really beautiful example of an early Victorian book and is in good condition for it's age. The corners show light wear and crushing, with some minor fraying to the cloth. The board edges are rubbed and bumped, and the front board is dulled and darkened when compared to the back board. The cloth shows some rubbing and discolouration, and the spine is faded. There is rubbing to the spine edges which has caused some small holes to appear and crushing to the spine ends has caused splitting in the cloth.
Inside, there is a bookseller's stamp to the top corner of the front free endpaper but no other signs of ownership. The pages show age toning and foxing throughout, with occasional marking. There are some superficial cracks to the gutter in places but the pages remain tightly bound.
The book features beautiful black and white illustrations throughout.
Dimensions approximately 22.5cm x 17.5cm x 3.5cm.
Each book purchased will be gift wrapped in patterned wallpaper and string.
I try to use eco friendly packaging wherever possible. This includes 100% recycled jiffy bags, biodegradable bubble wrap, and paper offcuts from the newspaper industry.