This stunning edition of Mark Seaworth is A Tale of the Indian Ocean written by WHG Kingston. It features stunning art nouveau boards designed by Ethel Larcombe in the Glasgow School of Art style. The book was published by Blackie and Son. The book is undated but there is a presentation plate on the front endpaper dated 1912.
Ethel Larcombe was born and raised in Exeter where her parents owned a small school. She was employed by Talwin Morris (famed for his beautiful art nouveau book covers) on a freelance basis, to design covers for both Gresham and Blackie and Son.
The book is in very good condition with the most noticeable flaw being foxing to the text block edges. The corners are lightly worn and there is crushing to the spine ends.
Inside, there is a presentation plate glued to the front free endpaper and there is cracking to the gutter at the title page. The pages show age toning and scattered foxing.
The book features one colour frontispiece. Dimensions approximately 18.7cm x 13.2cm x 2.8cm.
The book will arrive hand wrapped in patterned wallpaper and string. The bubble wrap I use is 100% biodegradable and the jiffy bags are recyclable.
Where possible, I use 100% recyclable paper tape, but sometimes I have to use clear plastic tape for extra strength.