This scarce and stunning antique edition of Silas Marner by George Eliot was published in 1905 by J M Dent and Co Ltd. It made up part of the English Idylls Series of books and is bound in full vellum, with gilt decoration to the front board and spine.
This fine binding is in good condition for it's age, but there are condition points to be aware of. The boards are bowed which is quite a common flaw in vellum books as they react to heat. There is some soiling and marking to the vellum, with light scuffing to the back board. The spine is lightly darkened and there is bumping to the spine ends.
Inside, the pages show age toning and foxing throughout and the endpapers are tanned. There is a small area of loss to the top edge of the front free endpaper and a neatly written name to one of the preliminary blank pages. There is cracking to the gutter in places, revealing the binding thread, and a small area of mould damage opposite the title page. The pages are rough cut which is a lovely feature in old books and somehow makes them feel even older - as if you're handling old parchment!
This beautiful book features 24 colour illustration plates by C E Brock, an iconic illustrator best known for illustrating Jane Austen's work.
Dimensions approximately 20cm x 13cm x 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 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).