These two stunning books include Villette and Shirley by Charlotte Bronte and were published by the Gresham Publishing Company. It features a full calf leather binding with intricate gilt detail blind stamped to the front board and spine. The books are undated but I'd estimate them to be from circa 1900.
They're in good condition for their age but there is wear to the corners and the covers show some scuffing, scratches and faint creasing. The spine of Shirley is sunned and there is some loss to the leather covering the top corners. Crushing to the spine ends has caused splitting in the leather at the head of the spine.
Inside, the pages have some toning and sporadic foxing but are otherwise clean and bright. There are no inscriptions or writing of any kind, but both half title pages have a rubbed out pencil price which can still be faintly seen.
Shirley contains 16 full page black and white illustrations whilst Villette has 9.
Dimensions approximately 20.5cm x 13.5cm x 3cm.
The book will arrive hand wrapped in patterned wallpaper and ribbon. The bubble wrap I use is 100% biodegradable and the jiffy bags are recyclable.
Where possible, I use 100% recyclable paper tape, but sometimes I have to use clear plastic tape for extra strength.