This beautiful antique edition of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Poetical Works was published by Gall and Inglis. The book is undated but I'd estimate it to be from the late Victorian era (circa 1880) - there is a presentation plate dated 1884.
The book is bound in brown cloth over bevelled boards, elaborate decoration in black and gilt to the front and spine. The front has an inset floral feature. All edges gilt.
The book is in good condition but there is wear to the corners which has caused splitting in the cloth to reveal the board beneath. There is light wear and bumping to the board edges and rubbing to the back board. Crushing to the spine ends has caused splitting and minor loss to the cloth.
Inside, the hinges are slightly cracked but the pages remain tightly bound. One pages has been inexpertly glued in and sticks out slightly at the bottom of the text block. The pages show light age toning and very occasional foxing.
The book features a handful of black and white illustration plates taken from engravings on steel. Each page also has a decorative border which makes it an extra special read.
Dimensions approximately 19.6cm 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 bubbled wrap is biodegradable and the clear bubble wrap is 100% recyclable. I also reuse boxes when I feel it's appropriate (if the boxes are sturdy enough).