This beautiful edition of With Edged Tools by Henry Seton Merriman was published by Smith Elder and Co in 1894. So the book is from the late Victorian era. It has undergone some restoration work in the form of a new leather spine.
Thanks to the restoration work, this book can be enjoyed and read for many years to come. The book shows a slight forward lean and there is wear and crushing to the corners. There is light wear to the extremities of the book and rubbing to the boards. There are some minor chips to the leather and discolouration along the front joint.
Inside, there is a name plate glued to the front pastedown. The book was owned by EJ Metcalfe - Evelyn James (E.J.) Metcalfe was a prominent gentleman of independent means residing in Toowoomba, Queensland. He was very involved in local society, sport and most notably a 1900 legal case. The case was well publicised (E.J. Metcalfe v. Olive Keys) - Metcalfe summoned his cook for leaving her employment without warning. Another notable fact about Metcalfe is that he employed Helena Rubinstein as governess to his son Theophilus (b. 1890) and daughter Josi (b. 1894). Helena Rubinstein founded the famous cosmetics company which bears her name, making her once one of the world's richest women in the early 20th century. She revolutionized the beauty industry, building one of the first global cosmetics empires - she pioneered skincare salons and waterproof mascara.
There is a stamped name to both the title page and half title page. The pages show light age toning and occasional foxing.
Dimensions approximately 18.6cm x 12.3cm x 3cm.
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).