This lovely edition of Hereward the Wake by Charles Kingsley was published by London Macmillan and Co in 1928. It's a stunning school prize binding, bound in full tree calf leather, with marbling to the text block edges. There is a striking school insignia blind stamped into the front board in gilt - the knight's helmet is particularly eye catching - and the spine features five raised bands and gilt tooling.
The leather is treated with acid to change it's colour and produce a beautiful tree like effect to the boards. Sadly tree calf leather began to decline in popularity before the First World War and by the 1920's, it was almost non existent. So it's nice to see a book from the late 20's in this binding.
It's in near fine condition, with only light wear to the corners and board edges. The boards are ever so slightly bowed and the leather shows some scuff marks.
Inside, the endpapers are marbled to compliment the boards and there is a presentation plate glued to the front pastedown. The pages are clean and bright with minimal age toning.
Dimensions approximately 18.5cm x 12.5cm x 2.8cm
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).