The Book of the Sword.

London, UK Chatto & Windus, 1884. Hardcover First Edition (1884), unstated, but implied: no subsequent printings noted, according to Chatto & Windus' customary practice. First Edition (1884), unstated, but implied: no subsequent printings noted, according to Chatto & Windus' customary practice. MISSING PAGES 123 THROUGH 142, CONTAINING CHAPTER VII: THE SWORD: WHAT IS IT? (another text has been tacked into the spot where the missing pages were, a chapter III: Colored Stones: The Ruby, pages 145-194, with some color illustrations; the pages are much smaller than those of the rest of the book - appears to have been published in the late nineteenth century). Else,Good: Shows significant indications of use: the binding shows moderate lean; considerable wear to the extremities; some darkening, soiling, smudging, and rubbing to the panels and endpapers. A 1" tear in the fabric along the rear hinge; the gilt titles at the backstrip are dulled, but remain legible; unsightly ink states at the top edge (these don't penetrate into the text block); sparse, faint foxing to the fore-edge; the binding remains secure, though the interior hinges are weak and have been somewhat inexpertly reglued; the text is clean. Free of creased or dog-eared pages in the text, though the last 130 pages or so are bumped and thus lightly crimped at the upper corner. Free of any ownership names, dates, addresses, notations, inscriptions, stamps, plates, or labels. Free of underlining, hi-lighting, notations, or marginalia, but there is a short note in pencil by a previous bookseller concerning the missing pages noted above. A well-loved copy, structurally sound and tightly bound, showing some signs of aging, moderate wear, and a number of cosmetic flaws. Remains a sturdy copy with a clean text. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 4to. (10.75 x 7.65 x 1.6 inches). xxxix, 299 pages. Illustrated with 293 duotone drawings, photographs, diagrams, and designs. Numerous tables and other illustrative devises. Language: English. Weight: 3 pounds, 6 ounces. Maroon cloth over boards with gilt titles at the backstrip. Hardback: No DJ 'as issued'.