This stunning book of The XVIIIth Century It's Institutions, Customs and Costumes France 1700-1789 was written by Paul Lacroix, the Curator of the Imperial Library of the Arsenal, Paris. It is illustrated with 21 chromolithographs and 351 wood engravings. It is bound in quarter leather with gilt decorated front board and spine. It's a very attractive binding and in good condition. The book is undated but after doing some research, it appears it was published in the 1870's.
The book shows a forward lean and there is wear and slight fraying to the corners. The boards show some discolouration and there is a horizontal scuff mark to the front board. The spine is sunned and rubbed, with loss to the surface of the leather. Crushing to the spine ends has caused splitting and minor loss to the leather at the head of the spine.
Inside, the pages show age toning throughout with sporadic foxing. There is a name plate glued to the front pastedown. There is a slight crack to the gutter at the Contents page and the title page sits a little lower in the binding than it should (it may have been re-attached). There is a one inch tear to the edge of Page 43.
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).