This stunning edition of Gay's Fables by Octavius Freire Owen was published by Frederick Warne and Co in 1866. So the book is from the earlier part of the Victorian era.
The book is bound in green cloth with blind stamped decoration and gold gilt to the front board and spine. It's in good condition for it's age but the book does show a forward lean and there is light wear to the corners and board edges. The boards show minor marking and rubbing, The spine is sunned, and the spine edges are rubbed. Crushing to the spine ends has caused splitting in the cloth.
Inside, the front hinge is cracked and feeling a little wobbly but there are no inscriptions. The pages show foxing and age toning. There are some superficial cracks to the gutter in places, but there are no loose pages.
There are beautiful black and white illustrations throughout.
Dimensions approximately 17cm x 12cm x 2.5cm.
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 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).