The Story of Arthur Hunter and His First Shilling. With Other Tales. By Mrs. Crowe.
London: James Hogg and Sons, [1861]. First edition of the author’s first book for children. Engraved frontispiece and five engraved plates by the Dalziel Brothers. Binding extremities lightly rubbed, minor soiling to boards. Spine and edges of boards toned. Gentle lean to spine. Bookplate on front pastedown. Partial remains of what is likely a very small bookseller’s or binder’s ticket on rear pastedown. Contemporary ink inscription on front flyleaf. A very good copy of a scarce work. Original purple cloth ruled in blind and stamped in gilt on front board with blindstamped leaf shape on rear board, gilt spine. All edges gilt. Twelvemo. 188, [+4, ads] pp. Item #16414
Catherine Crowe (1790-1872) was a British novelist and writer on the supernatural. Her most famous work is The Night Side of Nature (1848), a blend of fiction and speculation about ghosts. In the book, Crowe tried to find an explanation for hauntings and spirits.
She was also a pioneer of domestic realism; Crowe believed that female education was inadequate and some of her books contained social commentary on female oppression and poverty . She also wrote two children books, including The Adventures of a Monkey (1862) and the present work. The Story of Arthur Hunter is a collection of three stories.
Price: $750.00