RARE 1902 The White Prince of the Stolen Roses - A Story of Flowerland by Kate Stanway - Illustrated Antique Book

The ONLY copy of this I can find for sale anywhere. Even AI took some researching to find out about this book which it initially told me didn't exist! Anyway I can assure you, that here is a copy of The White Prince or the Stolen Roses - A Story of Flowerland by Kate Stanway. Undated but published in 1902 by Henry J Drane, London. With twenty line drawn illustrations. Condition in detail below.

An exceptionally rare, turn-of-the-century allegorical children's book.

Subtitled "A Story of Flowerland," it is a whimsical, seasonal allegory about the natural cycle of the year. The story takes place in a magical realm called "Flowerland". The characters are a mix of personified plants, seasonal flower-sprites, elves, fairies, and classical mythological figures. Each flower and tree behaves according to its traditional Edwardian floral symbolism.

In this specific story, the Greek god Hermes acts as the White Prince. He is joined by other deities like Athena (cast as the "Queen of the Air"), Helios, Aphrodite, Cupid, and Pan. The Narrative plays out like a "pretty fairy drama" tracking the natural happenings, conflicts, and changes in Flowerland as the seasons unfold from spring to winter.

Inside the pages are clean, bright and tightly bound. Has a small piece of card, possibly used to cover up some writing at the top of the front paste down. With a partially cracked front hinge. Also gapes at the gutter in the middle of the book. Neither of these effect the binding of the text block which is good and strong. A small scuff to the surface of the half-title page. Several pages have closed tears to the outside edges (see photos). Not interfering with the text. With twenty full-page illustrations plus more in the text, by WF Coles. The MAIN CONDITION POINT to note is that one of the illustrations has been painted in (see photos).

Red cloth over boards have beautiful decoration to the front. All in top order. Just a little rubbing to the corners and spine ends.

Your antique copy of The White Prince or The Stolen Roses - A Romance of Flowerland 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.

H 24 cm x W 18 cm, 290 pages, 0.72 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. With the exception of a small number of countries.

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

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