This stunning First Edition of Popular Garden Botany by Agnes Catlow was published by Lovell Reeve in 1855. It contains a Familiar and Scientific Description of Most of the Hardy and Half Hardy Planted Introduced Into the Flower Garden. It's bound in original grey blue cloth, with blind stamped decoration and gilt to the front and spine. The spine has undergone a bit of restoration work to the spine ends and internally.
It's in very good condition, with light rubbing to the spine edges and splitting to the spine ends. The boards show minor marks and rubbing; the corners are crushed and there is slight fraying to the top corner of the back board.
Inside, the hinges have been reinforced with glue (this makes the back hinge quite stiff). There is a bookseller's sticker to the front pastedown as well as the residue of a name plate that's been removed. The pages show age toning throughout with scattered foxing (most prominent to the plates). A scratch to the text block edges has caused minor chipping to the page edges.
The book features 20 hand coloured plates, including the frontispiece, which are just stunning (collated and complete). Agnes Catlow was a popular 19th Century Science writer but not much is known about her upbringing and education. It is clear from her publications that she was well-educated, especially in such natural sciences. Throughout her life, she travelled widely, sometimes with her sister Maria, who was also a science writer.
Dimensions approximately 17cm x 13.5cm x 3cm.
Every book purchased will be hand wrapped in patterned wallpaper and ribbon.
I use a range of eco friendly, 100% recyclable jiffy bags and boxes, and whenever possible I use brown paper tape. The green bubbled 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).