1871 1st Edition – A VISIT TO THE OLD HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY By Eliza Thorp Very RARE Antiquarian Hardback Book
 
Publication Details
 
Title: A Visit to the Old House in the Country
Author(s): Eliza Thorp (two stories) & Mary Thorp (John Brown’s Family)
Publisher: Chas. T. Jefferies & Sons, Canynge Buildings, Redcliff Street, Bristol; and J. Wright & Co., Stephen Street, Bristol
Date: 1871 (believed first edition)
Format: Hardback, original publisher’s green textured cloth, gilt decoration, embossed borders
Pagination: 151 pp (all present)
Features: All edge gilt pages; yellow pastedowns and endpapers
 
Contents
 
A Visit to the Old House in the Country – Eliza Thorp
The Man Without the Key – Eliza Thorp
John Brown’s Family – Mary Thorp
 
Binding & Physical Features
 
Original green textured cloth over boards with gilt-stamped decoration and stylised gilt lettering to the front board
Embossed borders to front and rear boards
All page edges gilt
Yellow pastedowns and endpapers
No dust jacket (as issued)
 
Exterior Condition
 
The cover is robust and intact with light wear for its age (over 150 years).
Minor corner bumping and a few small marks present.
Slight lean to the spine noted.
Gilt decoration remains clear and attractive.
Overall, the exterior condition is very good for age.
 
Interior Condition
 
Pages lightly tanned throughout, consistent with age.
Occasional very light foxing noted.
Pages mostly neat, with only minor creasing (mainly to inner edges).
Small rip to bottom corner of page 22 and overleaf (from excess paper); text unaffected.
Small rip at the edge of the back free endpaper (does not affect text).
Gutter: Very light cracks at pp. 32–33 and 64-65, but pages remain tight and secure.
Small pencil inscription on the title page; no other pen or pencil marks inside.
No loose or missing pages – all 151 are present and intact.
Overall, the interior is in good, clean condition for age.
 
Dimensions & Weight
 
Size: Approx. 16.6 cm × 10.5 cm × 1.5 cm
Weight: Approx. 174 g
 
Publishing History & Bibliographic Notes
 
Published in Bristol in 1871 by Chas. T. Jefferies & Sons (Canynge Buildings, Redcliff Street) and J. Wright & Co. (Stephen Street).
Believed to be a first edition omnibus containing two works by Eliza Thorp and one by Mary Thorp.
Original editions are scarce, with only digital reproductions or modern reprints typically available.
Author Notes: Eliza Thorp lived at May Villa (May Cottage), Yardley, Birmingham, and had previously published A Fortune With a Wife (1856) and The Broken Wreath (1852). Mary Thorp, also of May Villa, authored The Rector’s Grandchildren (c.1855–57).
 
Rarity & Collectability
 
Original gilt-edged first edition in decorative cloth is extremely scarce.
Particularly attractive to collectors of Victorian women writers, Bristol publishers, and ornate miniature-format books.
Condition is better than typical survivors, which often show heavier wear.