This sweet set of two books by Blackie and Son have beautiful floral art nouveau bindings. They're vary slightly in colour and size but the design is the same. Miriam's Ambition by Evelyn Everett Green and The Lady Isobel by E F Pollard are both undated - but both volumes have a written inscription and presentation plate respectively, dated 1908 and 1912. So the books are from the early 20th century.
Outwardly, the books are in very good condition. The cloth is clean and bright with minor marking to the cloth - there is some rubbing to the gilt. There is wear to the corners and crushing to the spine ends. One volume has foxing to the text block edges and both volumes show a forward lean.
Inside, The Lady Isobel shows scattered foxing throughout and there is occasional cracking to the gutter. Despite this, the pages feel tightly bound.
The pages in Miriam's Ambition show light age toning, with occasional foxing and marking. There is a written inscription on the front free endpaper.
Smallest Book measures 18.7cm x 13.5cm. The largest measures 19.3cm x 14.2cm.
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).