This edition of Curiosities of Natural History by Francis Buckland was published by Richard Bentley in 1891. It's bound in original maroon cloth with blind stamped decoration in black and gilt to the front and spine.
The book is definitely showing it's age but can still be read and enjoyed. There is a large area of bleaching to the front (past damp damage) and the boards show light marking. The corners are worn, with heavy bumping to the top corner of the front board. The book shows a forward lean and there is fading to the spine. The spine is sunned and darkened, with wear to the spine edges. Crushing to the spine ends has caused splitting and loss to the cloth.
The dent to the top corner of the front board has caused creasing and slight damage to the front pastedown. There is age toning throughout, with scattered marking and foxing to the pages. There are also occasional cracks to the gutter but there are no loose pages.
Dimensions approximately 17.5cm x 11.9cm x 3.3cm.
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).