Antique British Castles Charles Ashdown 1911 Illustrated Color Plates
Antique British Castles Charles Ashdown 1911 Illustrated Color Plates
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British Castles by Charles H. Ashdown, published by Adam and Charles Black, London, 1911, is one of those Edwardian illustrated books that earns its place on a shelf rather than just filling it. Ashdown was a well-regarded popular historian of British arms and medieval architecture, and this survey moves through Norman keeps, baileys, forebuildings, and defensive systems with the kind of readable authority that made his books genuinely useful to educated general readers. The 32 full-page colour plates are the visual heart of it, depicting Dover, Corfe, Bodiam, Pevensey, and more in a warm painterly style typical of quality Edwardian colour printing, with architectural plans and line drawings throughout the text. The green cloth binding with its castle vignette blocked in black and gilt is handsome and intact. A serious reference that also happens to look exactly right on a library shelf or reading table.
Green cloth boards are sound with age-appropriate toning to the cloth. The gilt lettering on the spine is sharp and fully legible and the castle vignette to the front board retains good detail. Both hinges show slight loosening but the text block remains attached and the binding holds well. No splitting or cracking to the spine. The text block is clean throughout with no inscriptions, bookplates, or ownership marks. The 32 colour plates are present and display well. General light toning to the page edges consistent with age. A very good copy overall.
Shipping & Returns
All antique and vintage items are shipped from our warehouse in Bluffdale, Utah. Each piece is carefully packed by hand using archival materials and custom crating when necessary.
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on the size and weight of the item. Local pickup is available at the AMD Warehouse.
All sales of antique and vintage items are final due to their unique, one-of-a-kind nature. Illuminé candles and The Collector's Guide may be returned within 14 days of delivery if unopened and in original condition.
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Important Info About Antique & Vintage
Every antique and vintage item we carry has lived a life before arriving in your home. These are not factory-made products. They are objects with history, character, and the marks of time.
Age-appropriate wear, patina, minor imperfections, and signs of previous use or repair are inherent to antique and vintage items and are not considered defects. These characteristics are part of what makes each piece unique and are often what give it its beauty and value.
We describe the condition of each piece as accurately as possible in the listing. If you have specific questions about a piece before purchasing, please reach out. We are always happy to provide additional photos or details.
Colors may appear slightly different on screen due to monitor settings and photography lighting. We do our best to represent each item accurately.
