Nursery Rhymes from Bohemia.
NNew York: Robert M. McBride Company, New York, 1929/1927, presumed 1st US tp; printed in Czechoslovakia/ translated by Raf. D. Szalatnay; verses by Anna V. Winslow; blue cloth backed blue paper boards with large yellow mums in vase containing title; yellow green bordered endpapers with basket of flowers in center, 9.4x12"; np. Picture Book hardback tall.
Little rhymes, in English, some of which must be traditional, on brightly bordered pages with intricate illustrations of traditional country life in saturated colours.
Mates, born in 1881 was a teacher and later principal in primary and middle schools for 38 years, during which time he also created many beautiful children's books. He kept an easel next to his desk in the principal's office. "Director Mates was an old pale-faced gentleman with a child's eyes, wearing glasses, an unruly hairstyle. He wore a vest with a gold chain with a watch in his pocket, a wide-brimmed hat, a white long work coat, and a kind, sometimes mesmerizing smile on his face. He welcomed the line-up of schoolchildren each morning, walking next to the students. He returned someone here and there for muddy shoes. Exemplary cleanliness and order were expected at school. His tall, stout figure moved quickly through the building, his peasant voice could be heard... He was strict, precise, consistent, and hid his kindness behind the glasses." (google translate from Czech with a few corrections!).
CONDITION: Very Good Plus; rubs to white on board edges and corners and very slight scuffing near edges, else very bright and clean. Item #17560
Price: $200.00