This beautiful antique edition of Lucile by Owen Meredith was published by Longmans, Green, and Co in 1893 - so the book is from the late Victorian era. It's bound in full tree calf leather with gilt tooling to the boards and spine. The text block edges are marbled and the spine features five raised bands. There is a school insignia blind stamped in gilt to the front board.
Tree calf leather is one of my favourite types of binding and this particular edition is in very good condition for it's age. The leather is treated with acid to change it's colour and produce a beautiful tree like effect to the boards. Sadly tree calf leather began to decline in popularity before the First World War and by the 1920's, it was almost non existent.
The book is in near fine condition with just dulling to the top edge of the text block. There is light rubbing to the corners and spine ends; the leather covered boards show very faint scuff marks and minor scratching.
Inside, the endpapers are marbled to match the text block edges and there is a presentation plate glued to the front pastedown. The pages show light age toning and scattered foxing but the text is clear and bright.
Dimensions of the book are approximately 17.8cm x 12.5cm x 3.3cm.
Every book purchased will be 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 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).