Antique 1900s ‘The Two Shipmates’ by W. H. G. Kingston

Such a beautiful old book, and one with a little piece of its history still tucked inside.

The Two Shipmates was written by William H. G. Kingston and published in London by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, with this edition carrying no printed publication date that I can find. What we do know is that it was already in circulation by 1900, as the original prize label inside records it being presented that year by Holy Innocents’ Sunday School, Fallowfield.

The blue-green cloth cover is particularly lovely, with its wonderfully faded maritime illustration of sailors gathered beside the sea. I really love the wear to the surface too - the softened colours, little marks and age to the cloth make it feel every bit of its history.

A gorgeous antique book for an old book collection, shelf or bedside table, and especially lovely if you’re drawn to pieces with a trace of the people who owned them before.

Date: no printed date; presented as a Sunday School prize in 1900, so published 1900 or earlier.