A charming early 20th century botanical reference from the much-loved Shown to the Children series, illustrated by Janet Harvey Kelman and published by T. C. & E. C. Jack of London and Edinburgh.

Bound in its original green cloth boards with gilt decoration and featuring forty-eight colour plates, this volume introduces British wildflowers through beautifully observed illustrations and accessible descriptions. The combination of botanical study and Edwardian design makes these books highly decorative as well as collectible.

This copy bears the marks of a long life. The binding shows wear and fraying to the spine, there is foxing to the endpapers and some rubbing to the cover illustration. A school ownership stamp from Waverley Secondary School remains inside, adding a layer of social history. The colour plates remain bright and attractive.

A lovely addition to a collection of antique natural history books, botanical illustrations, cottage garden references or decorative vintage books.

Condition

Original green cloth binding

Forty-eight colour botanical plates

Spine worn and frayed

Foxing to endpapers

School ownership stamp present

General age-related wear throughout

Colour illustrations remain attractive

Approximate date: Edwardian, circa 1906–1915