The Opal Book by Frank Leechman

The Opal Book

by Frank Leechman

Ure Smith, 1961, [First Edition], illustrated endpaper, colour and black and white photographic plates, line drawings in text, hardcover, dustjacket

Good Condition, some edge and shelf wear, some rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, foxing and discolouration to endpapers, previous owners inscription on front endpapers, blue ink to title on title page, and back endpaper, age toned pages, tape residue to covers, dustjacket shows edge and shelf wear with rubbing, bumping, chipping, small tears and discolouration (see photographs)

“Like the gemstone itself it has fascination, excitement, and colour.  It records authentic tales of opal all over the world, in Europe, America and Australia, in the mines, in the jewellers’ shops, and even in the palace of Queen Elizabeth.  It gives details of huge opals and of comparatively small stones that are still worth thousands.  It tells where to look for opal, how to mine for it, how to polish the rough stones, how to be sure of buying genuine and not imitation opal, and how to take care of opal jewellery.”