This rare and stunning antique edition of The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith was published in 1904 by J M Dent and Co Ltd. It made up part of the English Idylls Series of books and is bound in full vellum, with gold gilt decoration to the front board and spine.
This fine binding is in good condition for it's age, but does show the soiling and marking that is often seen in cream vellum books. There is slight bowing to the boards (another trait of vellum bindings as it shrinks if exposed to heat!) and the spine is darkened compared to the boards. The back board shows some cup stains where someone has rested a cup of tea on it!
Inside, the pages show age toning and foxing throughout and the endpapers are tanned. The pages are rough cut which is a lovely feature in old books and somehow makes them feel even older - as if you're handling old parchment!
This beautiful book features 25 colour illustration plates by C E Brock, an iconic illustrator best known for illustrating Jane Austen's work.
Dimensions approximately 20cm x 13cm 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 bubble 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).