This beautiful edition of The Girls Empire was an Annual for English Speaking Girls Throughout the World. It is volume iii in what was an annual release for only three years. Volume I in 1902, Volume II in 1903, and Volume 3 in 1904. So this is from 1904, the middle of the Edwardian era.
It's bound in blue cloth over bevelled boards with pictorial decoration and gilt to the front and spine. It's in very good condition, with most of the wear being to the corners and spine ends. There is a little bit of splitting and fraying to the cloth here; the board edges also show light wear and chipping. There is some minor chipping to the front decoration too. The spine is faintly sunned.
Inside, there is a penned inscription to the front pastedown and cracking to the gutter at the title page. The pages show age toning throughout with occasional foxing. It features a collection of stories, hobbies, and practical articles, and is prolifically illustrated.
Dimensions approximately 27.5cm x 19.5cm x 4cm.
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 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).