David Livingstone Missionary Explorer Prize Binding c.1900

A decorative turn of the century edition of The Life of David Livingstone: The Great Missionary Explorer, published by The Walter Scott Publishing Co. around the late 1890s to early 1900s. Written for young readers, it recounts Livingstone’s missionary work and expeditions across Africa, including the episodes that made him one of the best-known explorer figures of the British Empire. This copy is especially appealing for its bright blue Art Nouveau cloth binding with bold floral decoration and gilt titling, along with a 1913 Sunday school prize label that adds period provenance. A strong choice for collectors of exploration, missionary history, prize books, and decorative bindings.

[d]Title | The Life of David Livingstone: The Great Missionary Explorer [d]Publisher | The Walter Scott Publishing Co. [d]Date | Circa 1890s to early 1900s [d]Edition | Early illustrated trade edition [d]Binding | Blue decorative cloth with gilt titling [d]Features | Art Nouveau floral cover design, top edge gilt, 1913 Sunday school prize label, black endpapers [d]Subject | Biography, exploration, missionary history, decorative binding [d]Origin | London [d]Language | English

[condition] The cloth remains richly colored with only minor wear and a touch of toning to the back board. The spine shows light fraying and softening at the head and foot with some rubbing along the vertical crease. The top edge gilt retains a good sheen and the fore-edge shows light toning. The black endpapers are clean and crisp, and the 1913 Sunday school prize label is intact and legible. Internally the pages are evenly toned with scattered foxing and light soiling throughout, all typical for a book of this age. Solid, display-worthy, and full of character.