A Treasury of Pleasure Books for Young Children, Joseph Cundall, Grant and Griffith, 1850

21 classic children's rhymes and tales are retold by Joseph Cundall in this very scarce 1850 first edition, featuring more than 100 charming hand colored illustrations. Includes classic such as Little Bo-Beep, Mother Goose, The House That Jack Built, old Mother Hubbard, and The Story of The Three Bears.

A Treasury of Pleasure Books for Young Children. With More then One Hundred Illustrations by John Absolon and Harrison Weir. Re-told by Jospeh Cundall.

Published by Grant and Griffith, Successors to Newberry and Harris, and Joseph Cundall, London. 1850 first edition. Very scarce.

A good first edition of this rare work, bound in a poor binding. Hardback with burgundy leather over boards. Covers are worn, scuffed and bumped, and covers are only loosely bound. Outer joints are split and inner hinges worn to gutters. Spine is largely absent, with just fragments of leather remaining. 

Provenance - the book carries the bookplate of the Marchioness of Devonshire, who appears to have presented it to Alan Balfour, of the Balfours of Fife, known for their forestry expertise. In turn it has been gifted to a Grandchild (a presentation sheet is bound in).

The text itself is good throughout - the hand coloured illustrations remain bright and clear, with light scattered spotting and usage marks. Some age toning to text block edges and margins. Occasional small fold or nicked page edge. Imperfect, but a lovely book, which would benefit from some restoration to the binding.

Text in English. 

Pages are unnumbered, but book is complete.

Approximate dimensions: 172mm high x 125mm wide x 24mm deep.

Weight approximately 382g (unpacked).