This stunning edition of English Masques was published by Blackie and Son in 1897. So the book is from the late Victorian era. Masques were an elaborate courtly entertainment from the 16th and 17th centuries. The entertainment involved music, dancing, singing, and acting in elaborate productions often flattering to a patron.
The book is bound in blue cloth with a beautiful stylized peacock to the front board and spine. It's a very attractive binding and in very good condition, with just light wear to the board edges and corners. There are minor marks to the cloth and the spine is faintly darkened; there is also crushing to the spine ends.
Inside, there is a library sticker to the front pastedown and a written inscription on the front free endpaper. The endpapers are tanned. The pages show light age toning and sporadic foxing, with very occasional finger marks.
Dimensions approximately 19.5cm x 13.5cm x 3cm.
All books purchased will be 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).