This stunning antique edition of Our Village by Mary Russell Mitford was published in 1893 by Macmillan and Co Ltd. It features illustrations by Hugh Thomson, who is one of my favourite illustrators. Perhaps best known for illustrating some of Austen's works. The book was part of Macmillan's Cranford series - recognisable by the distinctive teal cloth and ornate gilt decoration.
The book is bound in dark teal cloth with beautiful gilt decoration to the front board and spine. The text block edges are all gilt. The book is in good condition but it does show a forward lean and there is wear and bumping to the corners. The boards show minor marks and the spine is sunned, with slight dulling to the gilt. Crushing to the spine ends has caused splitting in the cloth.
Inside, the front free endpaper has been removed so the book opens onto the half title page. There is a name plate glued to the front pastedown and a name in pen to the half title page. The pages show scattered foxing and there is significant tanning to the tissue guard. Three of the introduction pages have creasing to the top corner.
The many beautiful black and white illustrations by Hugh Thomson make this a real treasure of a book.
Dimensions approximately 19cm x 13.5cm x 2.2cm.
All books purchased will be 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).