This beautiful little antique book is Volume One in what would originally been a complete set of several volumes. The Spectator was a periodical published daily by the politicians Joseph Addison and Sir Richard Steele. It was one of the bestsellers of the 18th century and sold up to 4000 copies a day. 500 different issues were published in total. They carried news of the day, but focused especially on manners, morals and literature.
The book is in remarkable condition for it's almost 270 years of age. There is significant rubbing to the edges, corners and spine. There are some scuffs and minor marks to the boards and a small split starting to the top of the external front hinge. The spine is particularly worn.
Inside there is no writing but the pages do show some marks, foxing and staining in places. The text remains clear and easy to read. The old English text shows the letter s looking more like the letter f. The long s, ⟨ſ⟩, is an archaic form of the lowercase letter s.
The book will arrive hand wrapped in patterned wallpaper and string. The bubble wrap I use is 100% biodegradable and the jiffy bags are recyclable.
Where possible, I use 100% recyclable paper tape, but sometimes I have to use clear plastic tape for extra strength.