- Bookseller: Charles Agvent, ABAA
- Seller Inventory #: 008633
- Book condition: Spotting and soiling to vellum. Good copy of a scarce book
- Edition: First Edition
- Publisher: George Redway
- Place: London
- Date published: 1884
Book Description
London: George Redway, 1884. First Edition. Spotting and soiling to vellum. Good copy of a scarce book. Arthur Machen's first book after the notoriously scarce ELEUSINIA of 1881, of which only one copy is known. Bound in full vellum as issued, with a later cloth slipcase. The paper is age-toned; the front hinge is gently cracked but tight. A library blindstamp is on two text leaves and a number is faintly visible at the base of the spine. A doctor's modern bookplate is on the front pastedown. Laid in is an interesting holograph letter from the New York bookseller Alfred Goldsmith presenting the book along with a little history of its publication.
Not sure what some of these terms mean? Look it up in our glossary.
spine : The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf. Also known as the back.
tight : Used to mean that the binding of a book has not been overly loosened by frequent use.
cracked : In reference to a hinge or a book's binding, means that the glue which holds the opposing leaves has allowed them to separate, revealing the stitching or binding underneath.
leaves : When used to refer to a part of a book means the book's pages.
blindstamp : An indentation deliberately placed on the board of a book. Often indicates a book club edition.
soiling : Generally refers to minor discoloration or staining.
hinge : The portion of a book near the spine that is intended to flex to allow the book to open.
bookplate : A device (often decorative) affixed to the book, usually on the endpapers, which designates ownership (or former ownership).
pastedown : The paper glued to the inside cover of a hard cover book.
laid in : something which is included with, but not attached to the book, such as a sheet of paper.
vellum : A fine quality of parchment made from hide produced for binding or sometimes a writing surface. Sometimes used to describe paper which has been made to resemble true vellum.
Cloth : Generally refers to a hardcover with cloth covering the outside of the book covers.
