The Collector's Dictionary of Glass, E. M. Elville — 1st Edition
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Publication: London, Country Life Limited, 1961
Formatting: 4to, pp. 194.
Condition Report: Good. The original dark blue cloth binding remains structurally square and reasonably tight, though the front board bears a distinct rectangular patch of adhesive tape residue near its upper edge. The gilt lettering and ornate tooling set within the light blue panels on the spine and front board retain much of their original lustre, appearing largely unoxidised. The text block is firm, though the top edge exhibits moderate dust-soiling and age-toning typical of its era. Internally, the front pastedown carries a prominent ex-library bookplate from the City of Liverpool Public Libraries, complete with a green 'OUT OF STOCK' deaccession stamp; the pages are otherwise clean, bright, and free from major blemishes. The accompanying unclipped dust jacket is fully intact but displays evident signs of handling and shelf-wear, including edge-creasing, light rubbing to the panels, and minor chipping at the head and tail of the spine.
Catalogue Note: First edition. A well-regarded mid-century reference text, this volume is profusely illustrated with a colour frontispiece and numerous monochrome plates showcasing fine glassware.
This copy features clear institutional provenance, bearing the ex-library bookplate of the City of Liverpool Public Libraries alongside its official withdrawal stamp.
While it remains a staple reference work for antique glass enthusiasts, this first edition is quite common on the open market today, with numerous copies readily available to collectors.
A classic and authoritative reference work for collectors of antique glass. E. M. Elville's comprehensive dictionary provides detailed insights into the history, manufacture, and identification of fine glassware, from early British table glass to European and American styles. Designed for both the novice enthusiast and the seasoned connoisseur, this meticulously illustrated volume remains a foundational text in the study of historical glassmaking and collecting.
Book Condition: Good
Book Authors: E. M. Elville
Book Publisher: Country Life Limited
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Collectables
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 194
Book Publication Year: 1961
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
| 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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