This beautiful edition of John Halifax, Gentleman by Mrs Craik was published by Ward, Lock and Co Ltd. The book is undated but these bindings usually date from the Edwardian era (1902-1910). There is an inscription inside which is dated 1912.
The book is bound in brown cloth with stunning decoration to the front board and spine. It's a striking cloth binding and in good condition. There is wear to the corners and light marking to the front board. The back board has some loss to the cloth colour near the top corner and there is also rippling to the cloth, particularly near the spine. There is rubbing to the spine and spine ends, and crushing to the spine ends.
Inside, the front free endpaper has been glued to the front pastedown so the book opens onto the half title page. There is some wear and tear to the edges of the half title page. The pages show light age toning and occasional foxing - they are remarkably clean and bright. A past reader has dog eared the top corners of pages whilst reading, which has left creasing behind. The book features a collection of black and white plates.
Dimensions approximately 19.5cm x 13.5cm x 4cm.
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 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).