Antique 1854 First Edition The Little Basket-Maker and Other Tales - Original Hand-Colored Illustrations - Complete Victorian Children's Book

A wonderful and increasingly scarce American Victorian children's book, The Little Basket-Maker and Other Tales, published in Philadelphia by Whilt & Yost in 1854. This is an authentic first edition retaining its original embossed green publisher's cloth binding with gilt spine lettering and decorative blind-stamped covers.

This charming volume measures approximately 5.75 inches high by 4.5 inches wide and contains all 96 numbered pages, including its beautiful original hand-colored engraved frontispiece and additional hand-colored illustrations throughout. The pages remain remarkably clean and bright for a book now more than 170 years old, with minimal foxing and excellent eye appeal.

An especially appealing feature is the early period presentation inscription reading:

"William S. Green - From his Grandma - April 17th, 1855."

Dated only one year after publication, it provides a wonderful glimpse into the book's original ownership and Victorian family history.

Books of this quality are becoming increasingly difficult to locate, particularly examples that remain complete with their original cloth binding and illustrated contents intact. The decorative embossed binding and surviving gilt spine make this an exceptional display piece for a library, study, or collection of nineteenth-century children's literature.

Whether collected for its American publishing history, Victorian decorative binding, or charming hand-colored illustrations, this is an increasingly desirable mid-nineteenth-century juvenile book.

Dimensions
Height: 5.75 in.
Width: 4.5 in.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good antique condition. Original embossed green cloth binding remains attractive with readable gilt spine lettering. Complete with all 96 pages and original hand-colored illustrations. Interior pages are generally clean and bright for age with light scattered age toning and minor spotting. Early pencil presentation inscription dated April 17, 1855. Front hinge has partially separated, exposing the original sewing, and the text block has begun to loosen but remains intact. Moderate wear to the corners and extremities consistent with age. A well-preserved and highly displayable 1854 first edition.

Origin:
United States

Materials & Techniques:
Paper, Pen and Ink

Details:
Country of Origin: United States
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good antique condition. Original embossed green cloth binding remains attractive with readable gilt spine lettering. Complete with all 96 pages and original hand-colored illustrations. Interior pages are generally clean and bright for age with light scattered age toning and minor spotting. Early pencil presentation inscription dated April 17, 1855. Front hinge has partially separated, exposing the original sewing, and the text block has begun to loosen but remains intact. Moderate wear to the corners and extremities consistent with age. A well-preserved and highly displayable 1854 first edition.