Item Details: Title - A Nihilist Princess, Author - M.L. Gagneur, Publisher - Jansen, McClurg, and Co., Copyright - 1881, Edition - Unstated. Condition: The book is in poor shape. The binding is loose with material loss and separation at the hinge, but the pages are still firmly attached. There are marks from the previous owner on some pages and a stamp on the back pastedown, yet readability isn't affected. The text block has darkened over time, and the pages have minor staining and darkening. Pages 216 and 217 are heavily darkened due to included ephemera (check the photo). The cover has darkening along the spine, rubbing, and staining. There's heavy shelf and edge wear with scuffing and fraying at the corners and spine ends.
If you own this antique book, here's how to handle it. First, when reading it, make sure to support the binding gently to avoid further damage. Try to read it on a flat surface to prevent the pages from bending. As for storage, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the pages to fade and the cover to darken more. Avoid storing it in a damp area as this can lead to mold growth. When you're not using it, you can place it on a shelf, but be careful not to stack other heavy items on top of it. This will help preserve the book's condition for a long time.
