1890s Black Beauty by Anna Sewell / Jarrold & Sons, London / Lovely Decorative Boards / Illustrated Antique Book / In Very Good Condition

A striking Victorian decorative edition of Anna Sewell's well-loved novel Black Beauty. An illustrated edition with eye-catching decorative boards and black and white illustrations. Undated, but research shows it to be from the late 1890s, published by Jarrold and Sons of London. In very good condition and a lovely antique copy.

Originally written in 1877, it was composed in the last years of Sewell's life, during which she remained in her house as an invalid. Black Beauty became an immediate best-seller, with Sewell dying just five months after its publication, but long enough to see her only novel become a success.

Inside the pages are clean and tightly bound with just the occasional faint brown blemish. Has a prize bookplate on the front paste down dated 1908, but no other writing or markings of previous ownership. With some black and white illustrations which are a mixture of full-page, in-text and chapter headings (see photos). The book has developed a very slight lean, over time.

In attractive blue cloth covered boards with red rose decoration, and black and gilt titles. Again all in top order. The front board and spine in super condition with shiny gilt titles and bright decoration. The rear has some fading to the blue, from rubbing (see final photo). An eye-catching book on display.

Your antique copy of Black Beauty will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and will be sent well packaged. I am always happy to add a gift card with a message to the parcel.

H 19 cm x W 13 cm, 278 pages, 0.53 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. (There are just a very few countries which I am unable to ship to).

* If you would prefer for your book not to be decoratively wrapped but sent simply in the full protective packaging, please add a note to the order.

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