This beautiful and scarce first edition of Two Centuries of Song was published by Sampson Low, Son and Marston in 1867. So the book is from the earlier part of the Victorian era. It features Lyrics, Madrigals, Sonnets and Occasional Verses of the English Poets of the Last Two Hundred Years.
The book is bound in red cloth over bevelled boards, with a brass clasp and ornate gilt decoration to the boards and spine. It's a really stunning binding and would make a fine addition to anyone's bookcase. It's in very good condition, with just light bumping to the board edges and wear to the corners - there is minor splitting and fraying to the cloth at one corners. The boards show some minor marking, as well as some splash staining to the back board. The spine ends are crushed and there is a small chip in the cloth of the front board, near the bottom edge.
Inside, there is a written inscription on the front free endpaper and two small holes in the FFEP caused by the brass clasp fixture. The pages show light age toning throughout, with occasional minor marking and foxing. Each page of text features a decorative border in brown ink which add to the charm of this Victorian volume. There are black and white illustration plates based on original work of eminent artists.
Dimensions approximately 23.5cm x 18cm x 3.6cm.
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).