This beautiful vintage edition of Cranford by Mrs Elizabeth Gaskell was published by George Harrap and Co Ltd in 1948. It is quarter bound in Morocco leather with green cloth boards. It is a reprint of the edition that was originally printed in 1940 but largely destroyed during the Blitz. It was the first edition to have the Joan Hassall wood cut illustrations.
It's in very good condition for it's age, with the main flaws being the fading to the spine and mottling to the boards. There are some minor marks to the boards and light rubbing to the board edges.
Inside, the endpapers are beautifully floral in a style reminiscent of old wallpaper. The pages show light age toning throughout but the text is remarkably clear and bright. The paper is high quality and has a lovely weight to it.
The book features beautiful black and white illustrations based on woodcuts by Joan Hassall which make this an extra special read.
Dimensions approximately 22.2cm x 14.5cm x 1.9cm.
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).