This lovely edition of The Sorrows of Satan by Marie Corelli was published by Methuen and Co in 1895 and is the sixth edition. It's bound in original publisher's cloth.
This book was a huge hit when it was first published in 1895, garnering support from the likes of Oscar Wilde. But it also attracted controversy and condemnation. It’s the story of a penniless writer whose circumstances change greatly after receiving three letters. He’s befriended by a gentleman who’s the earthly incarnation of the devil.
It's in good condition but there is rubbing to the extremities and the corners are crushed and worn, with slight fraying to the cloth. The back board shows some rubbing and marking and the spine is sunned, with dulling to the gilt. There is rubbing to the spine edges and crushing to the spine ends has caused splitting in the cloth. There is a slightly longer split to the top of the front hinge.
Inside, the front free endpaper has been removed and there is a verse about borrowing books on the front pastedown. Under this there are two names and dates in pen, one of which is scribbled out. The pages show light age toning and scattered foxing throughout. There are superficial cracks to the gutter in places but the pages remain tightly bound. There is a small tear to the edge of page 263 and some of the corners show creasing where they've been folded inwards.
Dimensions approximately 19.7cm x 13.5cm x 4.3cm.
Every book purchased will be hand wrapped in patterned wallpaper and string.
I'm gradually in the process of switching to more eco-friendly packaging, including 100% recyclable jiffy bags.