Antique c1900 The Red Fairy Book Andrew Lang Hurst Illustrated Fairy Tales For Sale

Antique hardcover edition of Andrew Lang’s The Red Fairy Book, one of the celebrated volumes from his series of colored Fairy Books.Published by Hurst & Company, New York. No publication date is printed in this copy; bibliographic records identify the Hurst edition as dating to approximately 1900. The original Red Fairy Book was first published by Longmans, Green & Co. in 1890. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white artwork by H. J. Ford and Lancelot Speed, including full-page and in-text illustrations. Attractive original red cloth binding with elaborate gilt fairy, floral and title decoration to the front cover.A handwritten presentation inscription appears on the front endpaper:“Katharine Irving – 10 years, from ‘Nana’ Gilman, Jan. 23 – 1917.”This dated inscription provides evidence that this particular copy was already in circulation by January 1917.Condition: Antique/pre-owned condition with significant age-related wear. Red cloth shows fading, rubbing, discoloration and edge/corner wear. Gilt decoration remains attractive but shows age and wear. Pages show expected toning and occasional spotting/marks.Important: The rear hinge/binding is substantially separated, with binding material exposed, as clearly shown in the photos. The rear board remains present, but the binding requires careful handling. Previous owner’s 1917 gift inscription and some staining/marks to the endpapers are also present.Interior illustrations remain quite attractive and the book retains strong decorative/collectible appeal despite the binding condition.Please examine all photographs carefully. Photos form an important part of the condition description. Sold as pictured.