Gascoyne, The Sandal-Wood Trader: A Tale of the Pacific, R. M. Ballantyne — 1st Ed

£42.50

Gascoyne, The Sandal-Wood Trader: A Tale of the Pacific, R. M. Ballantyne — 1st Ed

Name: Gascoyne, The Sandal-Wood Trader: A Tale of the Pacific, R. M. Ballantyne — 1st Ed
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4606
Price: 42.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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£42.50

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Publication: London, James Nisbet and Co., 1864

Formatting: 8vo, illustrated.

Condition Report: Fair. Presented in the original publisher's blind-stamped red cloth with gilt tooling, the volume exhibits significant wear typical with age and heavy handling. Most notably, there is substantial fraying and cloth loss to the spine head, alongside a prominent surface abrasion on the upper board that wholly obscures the central gilt vignette. The original all-edges-gilt text block remains visible but is noticeably dulled. The extremities are rubbed with bumped corners, and the binding is slightly shaken. Internally, while the text block and plates are intact and presentable, typical signs of age-toning, localised foxing, and handling marks are evident throughout. A worn but complete reading or placeholder copy.

Catalogue Note: A true first edition of Ballantyne’s maritime adventure, retaining the publisher's original decorative cloth binding—a hallmark of mid-Victorian gift book production. The volume features a gilt-stamped Pacific islander motif on the upper board and a nautical spine design, complete with the internal illustrations.

First editions of Ballantyne's mid-century works in their original cloth are becoming increasingly uncommon on the open market. While this title is frequently found rebound in institutional half-leather or in later, cheaper printings, surviving examples in the primary decorative binding remain desirable to collectors, even when bearing the scars of a lifetime of reading.

Set against the vast, unpredictable backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Gascoyne, The Sandal-Wood Trader is a classic mid-Victorian adventure that immerses the reader in a world of maritime peril, exotic landscapes, and high-seas intrigue. Ballantyne weaves a thrilling narrative around the enigmatic captain Gascoyne, exploring the complex dynamics of loyalty, survival, and the harsh realities of the 19th-century sandalwood trade. A captivating testament to the era's fascination with global exploration.

Book Condition: Fair

Book Authors: R. M. Ballantyne

Book Publisher: James Nisbet and Co.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Adventure

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1864

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: R. M. Ballantyne

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.

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