This stunning twelfth edition of this popular Victorian work was published by William Blackwood and Sons in 1874. The Book of Ballads was edited by “Bon Gaultier” - it was a very famous 19th century collection or satiric and parodic poems. First published in 1845, it mocks the serious and overly embellished romantic poetry that was incredibly popular during the Victorian era. The pseudonym "Bon Gaultier" by two Scottish writers: the poet and professor William Edmondstoune Aytoun and the biographer Sir Theodore Martin.
The book is bound in original blue cloth over bevelled boards, with embossed and gilt detail to the front and spine. All edges gilt. It’s in good condition, with light wear to the corners and sunning to the spine. The board edges show light wear and bumping. Crushing to the spine ends has caused splitting and fraying to the cloth.
Inside, the pages show light age toning and occasional marks. There is some creasing to the paper in places and some indentations and a pencilled number four to the front free endpaper.
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 oxo-degradable and the clear bubble wrap is 100% recyclable. I also reuse boxes when I feel it's appropriate (if the boxes are sturdy enough).