This beautiful antique edition of Mrs Heman's Poetical Works was published by Gall and Inglis. The book is undated but there is a presentation plate inside dated 1884. So the book is from the mid to late Victorian era. What's really lovely is that the book was gifted to a couple on the occasion of their marriage.
The book is bound in green cloth over bevelled boards, with elaborate blind stamped decoration in black and gilt gilt to the front board and spine. The front board has an inlaid metal floral portrait which is really striking.
The book is in very good condition for it's age but there is some wear to the corners and light shelf wear (rubbing and bumping) to the board edges. The boards show only minor marks and rubbing. The spine ends are crushed.
Inside, there is a presentation plate glued to the front pastedown. The pages show only light age toning and occasional foxing.
The book features a handful of black and white illustrations taken from engravings on steel. Each page also has a decorative border which makes it an extra special read.
Dimensions approximately 20cm x 14cm x 3.4cm.
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 bubbled 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).