This sweet set of two books by Blackie and Son have beautiful floral art nouveau bindings. They're vary slightly in colour. Aunt Hesba's Charge by E J Lysaght and Into the Haven by Annie S Swan are both undated - but both volumes have presentation plates, dated 1911 and 1904 respectively. So the books are from the early 20th century.
Outwardly, the books are in very good condition. There is some light rubbing and marking to the boards, with minor chips and scratches to the decoration in places. There is toning and marking to the text block edges and both volumes show a slight forward lean. The spines are lightly sunned with crushing to the spine ends.
Inside Into the Haven there is a presentation plate glued to the front pastedown which has leaked some ink onto the FFEP. The pages show age toning throughout with very occasional foxing. There is an amusing address written on the verso of the frontispiece - this has also leaked ink onto the adjacent page.
There is also a presentation plate glued to the front pastedown in Aunt Hesba's Charge and the pages show age toning and sporadic foxing throughout, with occasional finger marking. There is a crack to the gutter at the half title page.
Each book measures approximately 18.7cm x 13.4cm.
The books 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 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).