Lydia Maria Child
The Little Girl's Own Book, 1843
New York: Edward Kearney
First printing of this edition.
2190
12mo. 288pp. Frontispiece from copper engraving captioned 'Little French Girls Walking Dress/Little French Girl trying to dance the Gavotte,' partially hand-colored; numerous vignettes and text figures throughout from wood engravings....
12mo. 288pp. Frontispiece from copper engraving captioned "Little French Girls Walking Dress/Little French Girl trying to dance the Gavotte," partially hand-colored; numerous vignettes and text figures throughout from wood engravings. In her Preface, Child acknowledges that certain illustrations were provided by "D.C. Johnson" and "Mr. Graeter." In addition to providing illustrated instructions for various games such as blind man's bluff and shuttlecock, as well as puzzles and pastimes, Child has curated a selection of poetry and prose to further stimulate the imagination of young American girls - most notably, "Mary Howard," which is held to be the first children's story set in New Zealand. Scattered foxing throughout, particularly along the outer margins; publisher's brown cloth stamped in blind and gilt shows just a hint of wear to corners and spine ends. Overall a near fine, bright copy of an uncommon children's book that first saw publication in Boston in 1833.


