Handbook to North Wales, Ward, Lock and Co.

£55.00

Handbook to North Wales, Ward, Lock and Co.

Name: Handbook to North Wales, Ward, Lock and Co.
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5954
Price: 55.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Ward, Lock and Co., Limited, c. 1914

Formatting: Small 8vo.

Condition Report: Very Good. The publisher’s original red cloth remains remarkably vibrant, avoiding the heavy sun-fading so frequently encountered with Ward Lock guidebooks of this era. The gilt tooling and crest to the front board are bright and unoxidised. There is a slight bruise and trivial wear to the head of the spine, alongside faint dust-soiling to the plain rear board. Internally, the binding remains exceptionally tight and square. The text block edges show typical age-toning and mild dust-dulling, with some light, isolated spotting to the preliminary leaves. The hinges are perfectly sound, completing a highly attractive, robustly bound survival of a guidebook typically prone to heavy field wear.

Catalogue Note: An early twentieth-century 'Complete Edition' omnibus of the Ward, Lock and Co. guide to North Wales, printed circa 1914. While the publisher's ubiquitous limp-cloth 'Red Guides' are common, this omnibus edition was issued in a more substantial rigid board binding, stamped with the gilt quartered arms of Wales, to accommodate the combined regional sections and a generous suite of twelve folding district maps.

The front endpaper bears a neat contemporary previous ownership signature from Blundellsands, adding a touch of Edwardian provincial provenance. Complete editions of this period, particularly those retaining such bright cloth and unbroken bindings, are notably scarce on the open market and highly sought after by collectors of British topographical history.

A wonderfully preserved, comprehensive traveller's companion to the rugged landscapes and coastal resorts of North Wales. Produced by the legendary Ward, Lock & Co., this profusely illustrated guidebook combines the publisher's regional expertise into a single, handsome volume. Packed with over 120 illustrations, twelve detailed district maps, and intricate town plans for destinations like Llandudno, Bangor, and Aberystwyth, it offers a fascinating window into the golden age of British railway tourism and Edwardian exploration.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Ward, Lock and Co.

Book Publisher: Ward, Lock and Co., Limited

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Travel, Exploration & Adventure

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year:

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

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.