This stunning antique edition of Quentin Durward by Sir Walter Scott was published by Adam and Charles Black in 1894. So the book is from the end of the Victorian era. The book is bound in navy cloth with beautiful gilt decoration of thistles to the front board and spine. Top edge is gilt. The art nouveau gilt thistle design was designed by famous American book designer AA Turbayne, and features his signature (the initials rather than the scarab beetle) on the front board.
It's in very good condition with just light wear to the corners and board edges. The boards show minor marks and scuffs. The most noticeable wear is to the spine - the spine is sunned and rubbed, whilst crushing to the spine ends has caused some splitting in the cloth.
Inside, there is a name plate glued to the front pastedown and the pages show light age toning and occasional minor marking. There are occasional cracks to the gutter - despite this, the pages are tightly bound. There is also very slight cracking to the inner hinges.
There are striking black and white illustration illustration plates by HM Paget which make this an extra special read. Dimensions approximately 21.3cm x 14.5cm x 3.5cm.
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).