This lovely antiquarian edition of Poems and Ditches was part of the Natural History Rambles collection, published by The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge in 1880. The book is bound in teal cloth with blind stamped decoration in black and gilt to the boards and spine.
It's in good condition with the most noticeable flaw being the staining and scuff marks to the back board. The corners are worn and bumped and there is minor marking to the front board. There is sunning to the spine whilst crushing to the spine ends has caused some splitting in the cloth.
Inside, there is a name written on the front free endpaper, as well as creasing to the paper. There is very slight cracking to the front hinge. The pages show light age toning throughout and the tissue guard for the frontispiece is detached. There are occasional cracks to the gutter in places but the pages remain tightly bound.
There are striking black and white illustrations throughout which make this an extra special read.
Dimensions approximately 17.3cm x 11.8cm x 2.3cm.
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).