RESERVED 1906 The Adventures of Merrywink by C Gowans Whyte - Illustrated Antique Fairytale Book

RESERVED FOR RIKO IG UNTIL 15TH OCT

NOT FOR GENERAL SALE

Here is a scarce antique hardback copy of The Adventures of Merrywink by Christina Gowans Whyte. Illustrated by M. V. Wheelhouse. Undated, but would have been published in 1906 by Hodder & Stoughton, London. Richly illustrated with gorgeous black line drawings, and three colour plates. I can only find two more copies for sale anywhere and they are in nowhere near as good condition as this copy. A classic example of an Edwardian-era literary fairytale, drawing heavily on traditional folklore tropes while spinning an original story and all beautifully illustrated. More details below.

When first published the book won a high-profile competition organised by The Bookman magazine for the "Best Story for Children", earning a £100 prize. The critical acclaim launched M. V. Wheelhouse’s career, establishing her reputation as a highly sought-after book illustrator for publishers like George Bell & Sons.

It tells the story of Merrywink, a fairy child born with a gleaming star in his forehead, whose birth fulfills a prophecy that he will one day replace the ruling King of Fairyland. To save him from the paranoid King—who has just celebrated the birth of his own daughter, the Princess—Merrywink’s parents smuggle the infant away to be raised in secret exile. As Merrywink grows into a brave, strong, and exceptionally truthful young fairy, he embarks on a series of magical adventures across the realm, ultimately setting him on an unavoidable collision course with the royal family to fulfill his destiny and bring a new era of goodness to Fairyland.

Has spotting to the endpapers and tissue guard (see photos). Then just the occasional spot and brown blemish in the text. The outside edges are tinted light lime-green - these have a little spotting. With a cracked hinge at the beginning opposite the half-title page. Giving the front board a wobble - but the binding remains firmly attached. There is a pencilled inscription to the front free endpaper, but no other writing or markings of previous ownership.

Light cream cloth backed boards have bright and colourful decoration to the front and spine. All in superb order. Just some very slight rubbing to the spine ends. A very attractive book.

Your antique copy of The Adventures of Merrywink will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. I am always happy to add a gift card with a message to the parcel.

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H 25 cm x W 20 cm, octavo, pp 199, 0.91 kg.

* If you would prefer for your book not to be decoratively wrapped and sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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