This beautiful Victorian edition of Roses and Holly A Gift Book for All the Year was published by William P Nimmo. The book itself is undated but there is a presentation plate inside dated 1872, So the book is from the mid Victorian era.
The book is bound in blue cloth with striking blind stamped decoration in gold gilt to the front board and spine. The text block edges are gold gilt and the boards are bevelled.
It's in remarkably good condition considering it's over 150 years old. There is wear and fraying to the corners, and the boards show minor marks and light rubbing. The board edges are lightly bumped and rubbed and there is faint sunning to the spine. The spine ends are crushed.
Inside, there is a written inscription on the front free endpaper and a presentation plate glued to the FFEP. The pages show age toning and sporadic foxing/marking but the text is clear and bright. There is superficial cracking to the gutter in places but the pages feel tightly bound. One page segment sticks out slightly from the edge of the text block (it's possible a past read glued it back in slightly out of alignment).
There are stunning black and white illustrations throughout which add to the charm of this Victorian children's book.
Dimensions approximately 22cm x 17.5cm x 2.5cm.
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 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).