This absolutely beautiful edition of Wayside Flowers by Fanny Forester was published by Thomas Nelson and Sons in 1853. So the book is from the early part of the Victorian era.
Fanny Forester was the pseudonym of Emily Chubbuck (later Emily Judson) and she was a teacher and author, before marrying and joining her husband in her missionary work. There's a fabulous dedication inside to her new husband.
It's bound in red cloth with ornate blind stamped decoration in gilt to the front board and spine. It's a really striking binding and the gilt on the front is in very good condition, with minimal fading. There is light wear to the corners and minor marks to the boards. Sadly there has been some past water damage to the book and this can be seen faintly to the back board. The spine is faded, with dulling to the gilt, and crushing to the spine ends.
Inside, there is a written inscription on the reverse of the half title page and sadly the water damage has caused staining to the pages throughout. There is a beautiful illuminated colour frontispiece and as well as the staining, the pages show age toning and foxing. There is air bubbling to the back pastedown.
Dimensions approximately 17cm x 11cm x 2.2cm.
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).