This stunning antique edition of English Echoes of German Song was published by Marcus Ward and Co in 1877. So the book is from the mid Victorian era.
This beautiful book is bound in brown cloth over bevelled boards with stunning blind stamped decoration in gilt and dark brown to the front board and spine. It features delicate gilt flowers and birds which make this a really striking binding. The text block edges are gilt.
It's in good condition for it's age but there are noticeable signs of wear. The corners are worn and crushed with minor splitting to the cloth. There is wear and bumping to the board edges, with some small holes and chips in the cloth. The boards show some marking, scuffing and soiling; the front board and spine are darkened compared to the back board. The spine ends are crushed, which has caused some splitting and loss to the cloth (particularly to the head of the spine). There is a dent to the top edge of the front board.
Inside, there is a presentation plate glued to the front pastedown and the hinges are lightly cracked. All of the tissue guards are attached with significant wear and tear to the edges and loss to the tissue in places (this is what can be seen sticking out the edges of the text block - the pages themselves remain tightly bound). The pages show age toning throughout, with occasional foxing and marking in places but the text remains clear and bright. There are some cracks to the gutter in places but the pages are tightly bound.
Dimensions approximately 23cm x 18cm x 3cm.
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.