Late Victorian Embossed Clothbound Book (People's Library Edition)

This is a late Victorian-era hardcover book, specifically a volume from the 'People's Library' series, likely published by Cassell & Co. around 1907-1910. The book is bound in an olive green or sage green cloth with elaborate blind-stamped (embossed) ornamentation across the front cover and spine. The design features a heavy geometric border with cross-hatch patterning, four-leaf clover/floral motifs in the corners, and a central circular cartouche containing the text 'PEOPLE'S LIBRARY' and the numeral '1'. The textured cloth is stretched over stiff cardboard (binder's board). In terms of condition, the item shows significant honest wear characteristic of its age; the cloth along the spine edges and corners is frayed and worn through to the board. The color is somewhat faded and mottled, indicating light exposure and handling over the decades. The spine appears slightly cocked or slanted. There is no visible gilt remaining, as these mass-market editions often relied on deep embossing for visual appeal. The craftsmanship is typical of high-volume industrial book production from the turn of the century, designed for durability and accessibility for the general public.