This beautiful antique edition of The Natural History of Selbourne by Gilbert White was published by John Lane The Bodley Head. The title page is undated but the dedication to this particular edition is dated 1898. The book is bound in contemporary half calf with a school insignia blind stamped in gilt to the front. The spine features five raised bands and gilt tooling in the shape of animals, a bird and an insect.
It's in very good condition with the main flaw being the fading and discolouration to the spine. The leather is marked and scuffed, with slight loss to the surface of the leather where it's been rubbed. The boards show minor marks and scuffs and there is wear to the corners which has also caused some minor loss to the surface of the leather.
Inside, the endpapers are marbled and there is a presentation plate glued to the front pastedown. The pages show light age toning throughout with very occasional foxing. The book is filled with black and white illustrations by Edmund H New.
Dimensions approximately 19.3cm x 13.3cm x 4.1cm.
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).