This beautiful edition of Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott was published by Ward, Lock and Co Ltd. The book is undated but books from the Lily Series usually date between 1890 and 1900. So the book is from the late Victorian era.
The book was part of the iconic Lily Series by Ward Lock and Co and is bound in brown cloth over bevelled boards, with stunning lilies and lily of the valley decoration in gilt to the front and spine. The Lily Series has become a very popular binding with collectors, with it's delicate but beautiful decoration.
It's in good condition but does show a slight forward lean. The corners are worn and lightly bumped, and there is light rubbing and marking to the boards. The spine is a little darkened, with some rubbing and loss to the decoration. There is crushing to the spine ends and some minor marking to the text block edges.
Inside, the pages show light age toning throughout, with sporadic marking and foxing. There are occasional cracks to the gutter but none of the pages feel loose.
Dimensions approximately 18.5cm x 13cm x 2.2cm.
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).