This lovely first edition of Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy was published by Osgood, McIlvaine and Co in 1896. It's from the late Victorian era.
The book is bound in dark teal cloth with gilt to the front and spine. It's in good condition but there are condition points to be aware of. The corners are worn, with splitting and fraying to the corners. The bottom corner of the front board is dented and the book shows a pronounced forward lean. The boards show minor marks and the spine is faintly sunned, with dulling to the gilt. There is wear to the spine edges, with a split in the cloth to the top front joint. Crushing to the spine ends has caused more minor splitting in the cloth.
Inside, there is a neatly written name and date on the front free endpaper and very faint cracking to the hinges. The pages show some age toning and scattered fingerprint marks but the text is clear and bright. Some of the page corners are creased.
Dimensions approximately 21cm x 14.5cm x 3.5cm.
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).