Damage to the book consists mainly in the covers, which are faded, worn, and rubbed; there has been liquid damage to the lower spine which shows in the lower 1/10 or so of each of the first four pages (both sides) of the book (including the frontispiece, slightly) and in about 1/8 of the last four sheets (both sides). There is a handwritten notation "R. Anon. 16" with the remains, on the same page, of a gummed label which has mostly been removed but which shows the typed text "...D BE RE[T?]", indicating that the book was probably at one time part of a lending library (and most likely a private one). Binding is quite square and firm throughout.

The plates, with their captioned tissue protectors, are all present and all in pristine condition. The protector for the frontispiece has a 3cm closed tear at the fore edge near that bottom. One other protector has a couple of straight, small creases; one has a few bubble-like spots. All other tissues are intact and as new. 

Book bears the red shop stamp of Edward Baker, a bookseller in John Bright Street, Birmingham, of the turn of the 19/20th century, and of some notoriety in the business.