Literary Annuals and Gift Books: A Bibliography 1823-1903, Frederick W. Faxon

£38.95

Literary Annuals and Gift Books: A Bibliography 1823-1903, Frederick W. Faxon

Name: Literary Annuals and Gift Books: A Bibliography 1823-1903, Frederick W. Faxon
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4981
Price: 38.95 GBP
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Publication: Pinner, Middlesex, Private Libraries Association, 1973

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 25, xxix, 140, plus 12 leaves of plates.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The book is beautifully preserved and protected within a clear, unattached sleeve. The original red cloth boards are exceptionally bright and clean, showing no discernible rubbing, fading, or bumping to the extremities. The spine features crisp, unoxidised gilt lettering and decorative borders that remain perfectly striking. The binding is entirely tight and square, with no evidence of lean or slackness. The page block edges display merely the faintest hint of uniform age-toning, remaining clean and entirely free of foxing or spotting. Internally, the text block is pristine, bright, and untouched by previous wear or extraneous markings, constituting a superb, collector-quality copy.

Catalogue Note: This volume is a limited 1973 photolithographic reprint published by the Private Libraries Association, with the print run restricted to 1,750 copies, of which only 750 were made available for public sale. It faithfully reproduces Faxon’s foundational 1912 bibliography while vastly enriching the original text through the addition of supplementary essays and new material by Eleanore Jamieson and Iain Bain. The book stands as an essential reference text for understanding the binding styles, illustrative practices, and cultural impact of nineteenth-century publishing.

During the nineteenth century, the 'literary annual' and 'gift book' emerged as a phenomenally popular publishing phenomenon, distinguished by their ornate, often gaudy bindings, exquisite steel engravings, and contributions from leading authors of the day. Designed to be presented as keepsakes, these volumes offer a fascinating window into Victorian aesthetics and literary tastes. Frederick W. Faxon’s exhaustive bibliography provides a meticulously detailed catalogue of these elaborate publications spanning from 1823 to 1903. Augmented with insightful essays by Eleanore Jamieson and Iain Bain, this 1973 limited edition stands as an indispensable reference for bibliophiles, historians of the book trade, and collectors of nineteenth-century literature and bindings.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Frederick W. Faxon

Book Publisher: Private Libraries Association

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 140

Book Publication Year: 1973

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Pinner, Middlesex, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

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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.