This stunning edition of What Katy Did at School by Susan Coolidge features a stunning art nouveau cloth binding, with decoration to the front board and spine. All edges gilt. The book was published by Blackie and Son and even though the book itself is undated, I've seen other novels in this same binding with inscriptions, and they usually date from the Edwardian era. This one has a presentation plate inside dated 1909.
The book is in very good condition, with the most noticeable flaw being slight darkening to the spine. There is light wear to the corners and scuffing to the gilt text block edges.
Inside, the endpapers are beautifully illustrated to match the front board, but there is a presentation plate glued to the front pastedown. The endpapers are significantly tanned but the rest of the pages show lighter age toning, with scattered foxing throughout. There are occasional cracks to the gutter but the pages remain tightly bound.
Dimensions approximately 18.7cm x 12.4cm x 2.5cm.
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).