This stunning book from 1866 was published by Bell and Daldy. Evangeline is an epic poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The binding is a rarely seen style of mauchline ware boards with a painted faux malachite effect.
The book is in good condition considering it's almost 160 years old but the front board shows noticeable soiling and dulling when compared with the back. There are some marks and scuffs to the boards. The spine shows wear and loss to the surface of the leather. There is also some loss to the leather at the spine ends and the gold gilt on the spine is rubbed and dulled.
Inside, the endpapers are pale watered silk (also known as moiré silk) but they show some soiling and marking. There is cracking to the gutter at the half title page and the pages show foxing and age staining around the edges. There are beautiful black and white illustrations throughout which add to the charm of this antiquarian edition.
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 bubbled wrap is biodegradable and the clear bubble wrap is 100% recyclable. I also reuse boxes when I feel it's appropriate (if the boxes are sturdy enough).