Favourite Pleasure Books for Young People. Illustrated with 100 Pictures by John Absolon, Edward Wehnert, and Harrison Weir.
London: Sampson, Low, Son, and Co., 1859. First and likely only edition of this title and published thus. This is a compilation that is related to (and possibly descended from) Treasury of Pleasure Books for Young People (circa 1850s). The Treasury books differ in their pagination, but feature similar stories and illustrations by the same artists found in the present work. Without the earlier book in hand, we cannot determine the specific textual differences. 100 full color illustrations by John Absolon (1815-1895), Edward Wehnert (1813-1868), and Harrison Weir (1824-1906). According to the publisher, “The Illustrations to this little book were printed in colours from a succession of engraved woodblocks, at a machine worked by steam, and several thousand copies were worked off at the same time. By no other means could such well-coloured Pictures be produced at such a moderate price” (p. [7]). Binding extremities slightly rubbed, light soiling to boards. Spine very lightly toned. Minor wear to crown and tail of spine. Front hinge slightly loose. Minor offsetting to leaves from illustrations. Overall, a very good copy of a scarce work. Publisher’s red cloth ruled in blind with a gilt-stamped central device, rear board stamped in blind, gilt spine. All edges gilt. Square octavo. 16, 16 pp. Item #16513
Favourite Pleasure Books for Young People is a collection of twelve popular tales including “Old Mother Hubbard and Her Dog,” “The History of Little Bo-Peep…,” “The Story of the Three Little Bears,” and others.
Price: $300.00