Elizabeth Gaskell / Joan Hassall - Cranford - 1940

An attractive edition of Elizabeth Gaskell’s classic novel Cranford, illustrated with 23 wood engravings by Joan Hassall.

Published in London by George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd. The publication page states that this illustrated edition was first published in 1940, but no separate printing or reissue date is given. The publication year has therefore been entered as circa 1940, based on the only date printed in the book.

The volume is bound in red leather with raised bands and gilt lettering to the spine. It has decorative red-and-cream marbled endpapers and a gilt top edge. The binder is not identified, and the leather binding may be a later rebinding.

Condition: Good. The leather binding presents attractively but displays light rubbing, marks and edge wear consistent with age and use. There is visible wear around the inner hinge and endpaper gutter. The gilt top edge has some age-related dulling and surface wear. Internally, the pages show light toning and occasional age-related marks. A handwritten family presentation inscription, dated Christmas 1954, appears on a preliminary blank page. All 23 wood engravings have been counted and appear to be present. No dust jacket.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.