This rare and stunning edition of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen was published in 1899 by Macmillan and Co Ltd. The book is bound in pale pink orange cloth, with art nouveau decoration to the front board and spine. All edges are gilt. The binding was designed by AA Turbayne and his trademark signature can be seen at the bottom of the front board. These editions have become very hard to get a hold of the past few years, especially Pride and Prejudice which remains the most popular of all Austen's work. This one has some significant condition points but it means it's being sold at a much lower price than you'd usually see - maybe an opportunity for an Austen collector?
The book is in good condition but it has seen some water damage in the past and this can be seen to the bottom of the boards and spine, as well as the bottom corner of the text block. There is a tiny hole to the spine and two other tiny holes to the back board. Other than the past water damage, the cloth shows minor marking and the spine is sunned and discoloured. There is crushing to the spine ends. Some of the pages stick out slightly from the edge of the text block.
Inside, there is a penned name to the front free endpaper and slight cracking to the front hinge. The water damage can be seen to the bottom of the pages but thankfully doesn't reach the text. The text is clear and bright. There are some occasional cracks to the gutter but the pages remain tightly bound. There is a one inch tear to the edge of Page 65 and 67. There are beautiful black and white illustrations by Charles E Brock which really bring Austen's classic to life.
Dimensions approximately 18.5cm x 12.8cm x 3.4cm.
The book will be securely wrapped in bubble wrap, and then gift wrapped in patterned wallpaper and ribbon.
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).