This stunning antique edition of Our Village by Mary Russell Mitford was published in 1893 by Macmillan and Co Ltd. It features illustrations by Hugh Thomson, who is one of my favourite illustrators. Perhaps best known for illustrating some of Austen's works. The book was part of Macmillan's Cranford series - recognisable by the distinctive teal cloth and ornate gilt decoration.
The book is bound in dark teal cloth with beautiful gilt decoration to the front board and spine. The text block edges are all gilt. The book is in very good condition for it's age, but there is a slight forward lean; there is wear and crushing to the corners. There is light rubbing to the gilt on the front. The spine is faintly sunned, with slight dulling to the gilt; crushing to the spine ends has caused minor splitting in the cloth.
Inside, the pages show light age toning and scattered foxing throughout; sadly the tissue guard for the frontispiece is missing. There is a small bump to the edge of page xxxiii of the introduction. There is a crack to the gutter between pages 64 and 65 but the pages remain tightly bound.
The many beautiful black and white illustrations by Hugh Thomson make this a real treasure of a book.
Dimensions approximately 19cm x 13.5cm x 2.2cm.
All books purchased will be 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).