{"product_id":"the-strangers-companion-in-chester-george-batenham-5th-edition","title":"The Stranger's Companion in Chester, George Batenham — 5th Edition","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePublication\u003c\/b\u003e: Chester, Printed for G. Batenham by J. Fletcher, [c. 1830]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFormatting\u003c\/b\u003e: 12mo, original quarter cloth over drab paper boards, profusely illustrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/b\u003e: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/b\u003e: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe 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, \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"612\"\u003eA Short Description of Eaton Hall\u003c\/i\u003e, adding considerable regional interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThe provenance includes a neat contemporary signature of 'Edward N. Alexander \/ Halifax', likely Edward Nelson Alexander (1797–1853), a known antiquarian and solicitor from Halifax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eGiven 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eStep 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55098095960403,"sku":"5704","price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260928_132118.jpg?v=1790664972","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/the-strangers-companion-in-chester-george-batenham-5th-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}