This stunning Victorian edition of The Early Choice A Book for Daughters was published by Thomas Nelson and Sons. The book is undated but there is an inscription dated 1884. The book was a conduct and guidance book, originally published in 1855 and written by the Scottish Minister Reverend William King Tweedie. It was a very popular work in the Victorian era, aiming to teach young women to link their conduct with "happiness or sorrow" by focusing on virtue, faith, and making morally sound life decisions. The book is undated but the title page states that the book was written by the late WK Tweedie. He passed away in 1863 so the book must have been published between 1863 and the presentation plate dated 1884.
The book is bound in green cloth over bevelled boards with beautiful blind stamped decoration in gilt and black to the front board and spine. It's in good condition but there is wear to the corners which has caused slight splitting and fraying to the cloth. The boards show some marking, most prominently to the bottom of the back board. There is light wear and bumping to the board edges and the spine is sunned and dulled. Crushing to the spine ends has caused minor splitting in the cloth.
Inside, there is a presentation plate glued to the front pastedown and tanning to the endpapers. There is cracking to the front hinge and to the gutter in places but the pages remain tightly bound. The pages show scattered foxing and age toning.
Dimensions approximately 18.9cm x 13.7cm x 3.7cm.
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).