The Stranger's Companion in Chester, George Batenham — 5th Edition

£150.00

The Stranger's Companion in Chester, George Batenham — 5th Edition

Name: The Stranger's Companion in Chester, George Batenham — 5th Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5704
Price: 150.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Write Review

In stock

£150.00

Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Publication: Chester, Printed for G. Batenham by J. Fletcher, [c. 1830]

Formatting: 12mo, original quarter cloth over drab paper boards, profusely illustrated.

Condition Report: Good. The book is bound in its original quarter cloth over drab paper boards, remaining tight and entirely serviceable despite noticeable external wear. The boards show moderate surface scuffing, rounding to the corners, and chipping along the edges and spine panel, flaws entirely consistent with an early nineteenth-century provincial guide. Internally, the binding is secure with all pages and plates present. The pages exhibit typical antiquarian character, including scattered foxing, age-toning, and visible offsetting from the engravings (most notably opposite the full-page plates). The folding map of Chester is remarkably well-preserved with its original hand-colouring remaining bright, showing only minor, expected creasing. A previous owner's neat signature ('Edward N. Alexander / Halifax') is present on the front endpaper, adding a touch of provenance without detracting from the overall integrity of this sturdy, complete copy.

Catalogue Note: Fifth Edition. An early and comprehensive provincial guide to Chester and its environs, providing a detailed contemporary account of the city's public buildings, institutions, and the Roman antiquities that line its historic walls.

The work is generously illustrated throughout, boasting a folding map of the city (delicately hand-coloured to highlight the historic boundaries), 10 full-page engraved plates (including the striking frontispiece of the New Bridge), and numerous vignette views set within the text. Notably, this copy includes the separately titled supplementary work at the rear, A Short Description of Eaton Hall, adding considerable regional interest.

The provenance includes a neat contemporary signature of 'Edward N. Alexander / Halifax', likely Edward Nelson Alexander (1797–1853), a known antiquarian and solicitor from Halifax.

Given the ephemeral nature of early 19th-century provincial tourist guides, intact copies in their original drab boards, particularly those featuring the supplementary Eaton Hall description and retaining the folding map in such crisp condition, are distinctly uncommon on the open market.

Step back in time to the bustling streets of nineteenth-century Chester with this delightful antiquarian guide. Originally designed to lead the curious traveller through the city's ancient walls, magnificent Cathedral, and Roman relics, this charming volume serves as both a practical handbook of its day and a beautiful historical artefact. Complete with evocative engraved views and a detailed fold-out map, it captures the architectural splendour and gothic romance of Chester, culminating in an exclusive glimpse into the grandeur of nearby Eaton Hall. A fascinating addition for collectors of British topography, local history, and antiquarian travelogues.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: George Batenham

Book Publisher: G. Batenham & J. Fletcher

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: History

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1830

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: W. Batenham

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Chester, 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.