{"product_id":"the-john-rylands-library-manchester-a-brief-historical-description-of-the-library-and-its-contents","title":"The John Rylands Library Manchester: A Brief Historical Description of the Library and Its Contents","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe John Rylands Library Manchester: A Brief Historical Description of the Library and Its Contents, Henry Guppy — First Edition\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication\u003c\/strong\u003e: Manchester, At The University Press \/ London, Bernard Quaritch, and Sherratt and Hughes, 1914\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormatting\u003c\/strong\u003e: 8vo, pp. xv, 73.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e: Good. The original printed brown paper wrappers remain fully intact but exhibit noticeable signs of handling and age, appropriate for a visitor's guide of this era. The spine ends are heavily chipped with minor loss at the head and tail, and there is a faint reading crease running the length of the spine. The yapp edges are somewhat frayed and nicked, with a few short closed tears along the margins, and a faint liquid drop mark is present on the front wrapper. The binding remains sound and reasonably tight. Internally, the deckled-edge text block is surprisingly bright and clean, free of major foxing, with only very light marginal toning. A highly charming survival, notably retaining the loose 'Rules and Regulations' insert in very well-preserved condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e: This is the true first edition of the John Rylands Library’s official historical description. Originally sold to visitors for \"Sixpence net,\" as indicated on the front wrapper, it serves as a primary source document for the institution's early twentieth-century curation and daily operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume is profusely illustrated with thirty-seven black-and-white photographic views and facsimiles of the library’s architectural highlights and most treasured manuscripts. Crucially, this copy retains the original, loose 'Rules and Regulations' sheet, a highly ephemeral piece of library history that is almost universally lost in surviving copies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCopies circulating on the open market in their original, fragile paper wrappers are rather scarce. Those that do surface often suffer from severe loss to the spine or detached covers, making this relatively complete example a desirable reference piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished on the eve of the First World War, this authoritative guidebook offers a fascinating contemporary window into the majestic John Rylands Library in Manchester. Authored by the library's esteemed founding librarian, Henry Guppy, the text provides a comprehensive history of the institution's inception, alongside detailed highlights of its staggering collection of rare books and ancient manuscripts. Lavishly illustrated with architectural views and textual facsimiles, it stands as both an essential reference for bibliophiles and a captivating piece of Edwardian civic history.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54439923843411,"sku":"4849","price":28.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260727_141755.jpg?v=1785417708","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/the-john-rylands-library-manchester-a-brief-historical-description-of-the-library-and-its-contents","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}