1940 – CRANFORD By Mrs Gaskell – SCARCE 1st UK ILLUSTRATED EDITION Hardback Book with the original Dust Jacket, 24 illustrated Wood Engravings by Joan Hassall (all present and accounted for and including an illustrated title-page, top edge-coloured pages and illustrated pastedowns and endpapers. Joan Hassall was also the artist of the artwork on the wrapper and the decorated endpapers/pastedowns.  With 256 pp.
 
This is the First UK printing of the first illustrated edition of Cranford, published by George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd. and printed in Great Britain by R. & R. Clark, Limited. It is a scarce edition, as many of the copies of the first impression of the Joan Hassall UK first illustrated editions were regrettably destroyed during the London Blitz in World War 2. 
 
The jacket is intact, but it has been clipped on the inside flap. It is in a good condition for a jacket which is over 80 years old and has stunning illustrations by Joan Hassall. However, there are small marks, tanning, and small rips and creases to the edges and on the long edges of the spine. It has protected the boards well, which are in a good state for their age. 
 
The cover is intact and robust. It is bound in light blue cloth, over boards. There is a wonderful illustration on the front in blue, and blue lettering on the spine. The cover has small marks, a little discolouration, minimal wear and the spine has a gentle lean. Please refer to the photographs which I have provided for further details. 
 
Inside, the pages are lightly tanned and are thick in consistency. There is light foxing on the endpapers, page-edges, half-title page and the other preliminary pages. Besides the foxing, the pages are in a neat and clean state, with only the very occasional light crease to just a couple of pages and only the occasional small mark. Some of the edges of the pages are uneven and roughly cut, but this is highly likely due to the construction of this book and is all part of its beautiful history. The page leaves were probably uncut and then severed with a pen knife. This has left the occasional small rip to the page edges. There is no pen or pencil written inside this book. The pages are all secure, but there is a very light crack in the gutter, towards the top, between pages 176 to 177. The rest of the pages are tightly bound. All 256 pages are present. 
 
Please study the photos carefully as to the condition of this book, as they do form part of the description. 
 
This measures approximately 22.5 cm by 15 cm and 2.9 cm wide. It weighs approximately 734 grams. 
 
"Cranford" is a novel written by Elizabeth Gaskell, often referred to as Mrs. Gaskell, and first published in 1851-1853 as a series of vignettes in the magazine "Household Words" edited by Charles Dickens. It was later published as a book in 1853. Set in the fictional town of Cranford, the novel presents a series of interconnected stories that revolve around the lives of people in a close-knit rural community. The narrative offers a humorous and often satirical portrayal of the customs, manners, and social dynamics of the time. 
 
The illustrator of this special edition, Joan Hassall, was an accomplished wood engraver and illustrator known for her detailed and evocative artwork. Her illustrations added visual depth and enhanced the reading experience of the novel, capturing the charm and character of the Cranford community. 
 
Thank you for looking.