This beautiful vintage edition of Stanley and Africa was published by Walter Scott Ltd. The book itself is undated but there is a presentation plate dated 1897. So the book is late Victorian. It's bound in brown cloth with stunning floral decoration in gilt to the front and spine.
The presentation plate states that the book was awarded as a prize by the Post Office Telegram service. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the British Post Office Telegraphs department employed tens of thousands of young boys (typically aged 13 to 17) to deliver telegrams. Because these boys wore official government uniforms and directly represented the Crown to the public, the Post Office enforced strict, pseudo-military discipline. The young lad (H Brown) showed particular proficiency at drills.
Henry M Stanley was a Welsh-American journalist and explorer, famous for finding the missing missionary David Livingstone in Africa and for his extensive mapping of the Congo and Nile river systems.
It's in near fine condition, with light rubbing to the corners and minor foxing to the text block edges. The spine is faintly darkened and there is crushing to the spine ends.
Inside, the pages show light age toning and sporadic foxing. There is a presentation plate glued to the front free endpaper.
Book Size: 18.8cm x 13.2cm x 3cm (Approx.)
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).