This lovely edition of Caravan Tales and Some Others by Wilhelm Hauff was published by Wells, Gardner, Darton and Co. The book is undated but there is a presentation plate dated 1917. The book is bound in a full calf school prize binding with a school insignia blind stamped in gilt to the front. The spine features three raised bands, gilt tooling and a leather title label. The text block edges are marbled.
Caravan Tales was originally written in 1826 and features an enchanting collection of German Kunstmärchen (art fairy tales) by Wilhelm Hauff. It was styled in a similar way to the Arabian Nights structure, in that travelers take turns sharing magical and exotic tales around a campfire to pass the time.
It's in very good condition but there is discolouration round the edges of the boards. The spine is darkened, with small chips to the surface of the leather, and there is wear to the corners. The leather shows some bumps and scuffs and the top edge of the text block is faded.
Inside, there is a presentation plate glued to the front pastedown and the pages are clean and bright with sporadic foxing. There is a small stain to the edge of the frontispiece.
The book features lovely colour plates by Norman Ault. Dimensions approximately 20.1cm x 14.5cm 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).