"The Parent's Assistant" by Maria Edgeworth: Antique Turbayne Covers, Illustrated

In very good condition, here is a beautiful first edition thus copy of The Parent's Assistant by Maria Edgeworth. Published by Macmillan and Co., London in 1897. With numerous illustrations by Chris Hammond and with striking Art Nouveau boards by Albert Angus Turbayne.

Looking extremely eye-catching on display.

The Parent's Assistant is one of the most important works in Maria Edgeworth’s career, and it sits right at the foundation of 19th‑century children’s literature. The Parent’s Assistant was widely read throughout the 19th century: Queen Victoria read it in 1837 and specifically mentions enjoying 'The Birthday Present' while having her hair done. It appears in Thackeray’s Vanity Fair and in Louisa May Alcott’s Eight Cousins. Scholars have long credited Edgeworth with helping shift children’s literature from dry moralism to lively realism.

Opens onto super yellow peacock decorative endpapers (also by Turbayne). With a book plate on the front paste down, but no other writing or markings of previous ownership. The yellow pattern has darkened in places. Shiny gilt on all sides - slightly duller along the top. With a few creased corner tips, and a little spotting to the endpapers.

In striking dark-green cloth over boards with ornate gilt decoration to the front and spine in the Art Nouveau style. Again in very good order. The green and gilt on the spine have dulled in comparison to the very bright front. With a little rubbing to the top of the spine. Slight rounding also to the spine ends.

Your antique copy of Popular Tales will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged, tracked and insured. I am always happy to add a gift card with a message to the parcel.

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H 19 cm x W 14 cm, 465 pages, 0.58 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. (There are just a very few countries which I am unable to ship to).

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

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