The Caxtons: A Family Picture is one of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's most warmly regarded novels — a sprawling, affectionate portrait of English domestic life, ambition, and family bonds, first serialised in Blackwood's Magazine in the late 1840s. This copy is a scarce regional imprint issued by A. H. Bunney of Liverpool and Llandudno, a publisher whose editions seldom surface — making it of genuine interest beyond the text alone.
The book is presented as a single-volume octavo hardback in its original red embossed cloth boards, retaining all the decorative character of a Victorian library volume. The ornamental border embossed to the front board is crisp and clearly defined, and the spine, though faded and worn, carries legible lettering — giving this copy real presence on a shelf.
This is an appealing acquisition for collectors of Victorian fiction, enthusiasts of Bulwer-Lytton's work, or buyers furnishing a period-styled interior with authentic antique books. It reads well and displays beautifully.
| Title | The Caxtons: A Family Picture |
| Author | Lord Lytton (Edward Bulwer-Lytton) |
| Publisher | A. H. Bunney |
| Publication Places | Liverpool; Llandudno |
| Edition | Bunney Edition |
| Decade | 1880s |
| Era | Victorian |
| Genre / Subject | Victorian Fiction — Family Saga Novel |
| Type | Hardback — Single Volume |
| Format / Size | Octavo |
| Binding | Cloth Hardback |
| Cover Colour | Red (faded) |
| Spine Colour | Brown (faded from red) |
| Language | English |
| Illustrated | No |
| Signed | No |
| Original / Reproduction | Original |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
A sound and presentable copy of a scarce imprint, honestly described:
Overall, a very acceptable copy given its age — the character of the wear is honest Victorian use, not damage.
Q: Is this a genuine Victorian original or a later reprint?
A: This is a genuine original Victorian-era printed copy — not a facsimile or modern reprint. It is an authentic A. H. Bunney edition from the 1880s, with period cloth binding, aged paper, and typical Victorian production quality throughout.
Q: How scarce is the Bunney imprint?
A: A. H. Bunney was a small regional publisher based in Liverpool and Llandudno. Their editions of Victorian fiction appear very infrequently in the antiquarian book market and are not commonly catalogued. This makes the copy of interest to collectors beyond its literary significance alone.
Q: Is the text complete — are any pages missing?
A: Yes, the text block is complete. All pages are present and the text is fully legible throughout, despite the paper being tanned and foxed with age as you would expect from an 1880s volume.
Q: Would this work as a decorative piece as well as a readable copy?
A: Yes. The red embossed cloth boards, ornamental border design, and period spine make it a visually appealing shelf display for a study, library, or period-styled interior. The close-up of the front board in the photos shows how well the embossed decoration has held up.
Q: Are there any names, stamps, or library markings inside?
A: None were found. There are no inscriptions, ownership stamps, or bookplates, which is unusual for a Victorian volume of this age and adds to its clean presentation.
Please feel free to send a message before purchasing — no question is too small. If you would like a closer look at any part of the book — such as the condition of the rear board, the state of the spine head, the title page, or a representative spread of interior pages — just ask and additional photos can be provided promptly.
All items are described honestly and accurately. Your confidence in the purchase matters.