This beautiful and fine binding of The Book of Gems Swift to Burns was published by Bell and Daldy in 1866. It features a collection of poetry and illustrations. It's the first time I've come across this style of binding in person (I've only seen them online before).
This lovely Victorian book features faux tortoiseshell boards with stunning gold gilt decoration. The spine is leather with gold gilt detail, although this is sadly worn, with loss to the gilt. The back board has some light scuffs and scratches, and there is wear to the board edges with small chips in places. There is some minor splitting to the external front hinge, and slight loss to the leather at the bottom of the spine.
Inside, the endpapers are silk and there is a neatly written name on the half title page. There is a slight crack to the gutter between the FFEP and the half title page. The pages have light foxing and marking in places but are otherwise clean and bright.
The book features striking black and white illustrations which add to the appeal of this ornate Victorian book.
Dimensions approximately 22.5cm x 17.5cm x 3.2cm.
The book will arrive 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).