Marryat - The Spirit World (1896) [Birdsall Fine Binding]

Florence Marryat. The Spirit World. London: F. V. White & Co. (1896)

Third edition, stated. (17.5 x 12.5 cm) pp. vi, 299.  Fine binding signed by Birdsall and Sons, Northampton. Bound in 3/4 flexible green (faux?) leather with red leather spine and titles in gilt. Foredges marbled. Foxing to end papers, but interior clean. Embossed stamp of Barnwell Castle, Oundle, Northamptonshire.  Overall VERY GOOD condition. 

Florence Marryat ( 1833 –1899) is well-known for her prolific writings, which later in her career turned towards spiritulism. The Spirit World gives her accounts of various séances, her communications with spirits, and her assessment of spiritualism and known members of the community, such as Cecil Husk. 

Barnwell Castle dates to the 12th century. In the 16th century, Sir Edward Montagu built a manor house near the castle, which is now in ruins.The library, housed in the Barnwell Manor rather than the castle-proper, is a dual-aspect reception room featuring 17th-century wood panelling  and an ornate plastered ceiling displaying the Montagu family crest. Until recently the manor was the home of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.