This rare edition of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen was published by George Routledge and Son Limited for the Ruby Series. The book itself is undated but there is a written inscription (to Nan Shepherd no less - the famous Scottish writer and poet) which is dated 1907 (Nan would have been just 14 years old when the book was gifted to her for Hogmanay) . However, the book is older than 1907. The Ruby Series by George Routledge was started in the 1870's, but when it has the publisher stated as "George Routledge and Sons Limited" it indicates the book as dated from between 1890 and 1900. So the book is from the latter part of the Victorian era.
It's in good condition but there are some condition points to be aware of. There is a split in the cloth to the back joint, which has been repaired. It's been glued down to prevent it worsening but the split can be clearly seen (there is also a loose thread). There is soiling and light marking to the cloth; some creasing can also be seen which has caused slight air bubbles to form. The corners are worn through to the board beneath, with minor fraying to the cloth, and there is a small hole in the cloth to the fore-edge of the front board. The spine is darkened and crushing to the spine ends has caused minor splitting in the cloth.
Inside, there is the written inscription to Nan Shepherd on the front free endpaper and Nan has also written her name on the front pastedown. The pages show age toning throughout, with occasional foxing. There is cracking to the gutter in places but the pages remain tightly bound. A previous reader has dog eared some of the top corners whilst reading which has left creasing behind.
Dimensions approximately 19cm x 13cm x 1.8cm. There is just one black and white illustration in the form of the frontispiece.
The book will arrive carefully wrapped in bubble wrap, patterned wallpaper and ribbon.
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).