This stunning antique hardback edition of Cowper's Poetical Works was published by W P Nimmo, Hay and Mitchell in 1890.
The book is bound in full tree calf leather, one of my favourite types of binding. 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. The spine features five raised bands and delicate gold gilt decoration.
The book is in very good condition. There is some wear to the corners and board edges and the boards are slightly bowed. The boards have some minor scuffs and scratches, and the spine has light wear.
Inside, the endpapers are beautifully marbled to match the text block edges. There is a neatly written inscription on the back of the frontispiece. There is some marking and foxing to the pages, most noticeably to the preliminary pages.
The book features a handful of striking black and white illustration plates.
Dimensions approximately 18.5cm x 13cm x 3cm.
All books purchased will be hand wrapped in biodegradable bubble wrap, patterned wallpaper and string.
I'm gradually switching over to eco-friendly packaging, including 100% recyclable jiffy bags :)