Orient Line Guide, W. J. Loftie — 3rd Edition

£120.00

Orient Line Guide, W. J. Loftie — 3rd Edition

Name: Orient Line Guide, W. J. Loftie — 3rd Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6134L
Price: 120.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington, 1888

Formatting: Sm. 4to, pp. xxxvii, 439.

Condition Report: Good. The original dark blue publisher's cloth boards exhibit noticeable shelf-wear and rubbing, particularly at the extremities, with the corners heavily bumped and frayed, exposing the underlying boards. The cloth on the front and rear panels displays some mottling, surface scuffing, and minor discolouration, though the gilt-stamped royal crown and title lettering remain pleasantly bright and legible. The spine ends are crushed with slight fraying at the head and tail, and minor wear is evident along the joints, yet the binding remains functionally sound and secure. The text block, featuring red-stained edges, sits reasonably square; internally, the pages show general age-toning and occasional scattered foxing, especially to the margins, but the text and contemporary advertisements remain remarkably clean and highly readable.

Catalogue Note: This third edition, completely rewritten and highly sought after by maritime collectors, is particularly notable as the first issue to feature the specially commissioned engraved title-page illustrated by the celebrated artist Kate Greenaway.

The volume is further distinguished by its comprehensive inclusion of contemporary Victorian advertisements, ranging from outfitter catalogues to hotel promotions and engineering works, providing an authentic glimpse into the commercial landscape of the late nineteenth century.

Copies in their original cloth binding are uncommon on the open market, particularly when retaining the complete text block and the Greenaway frontispiece intact.

A fascinating window into the golden age of Victorian steamship travel, the Orient Line Guide served as the definitive companion for passengers voyaging by sea and land. Edited by the prominent antiquarian W. J. Loftie, this extensively revised edition offers rich historical descriptions, route maps, and practical advice for navigating the expansive Orient Line network, from London to Australia. Beyond its geographical insights, the guide is a visual and cultural delight, boasting an exclusive title-page by Kate Greenaway and an absorbing collection of period advertisements that capture the commercial spirit of the British Empire.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: W. J. Loftie

Book Publisher: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Travel, Exploration & Adventure

Book edition: Third Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 476

Book Publication Year: 1888

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Kate Greenaway

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.