Nelson Early Readers 1866: one child's collection of 6 small books
London, Edinburgh and New York: T Nelson and Sons, 1866, assumed all are 1866 1sts or 1867 reprints, dark blue or red pressed boards, identical pattern, gilt panel on spines all oriented with foot at top of text block, ivory endpapers, each captioned frontis from a story; (six little books included) 3.25x5. Small readers.
Several of these rare little reading books seem to have been published in 1866 by Nelson, and later reprints by other publishers can be found. They were ungraded and intended for home use, with just a few hints as to age level. Each story or poem is illustrated with its detailed full page or chapter head woodcut .Generally well written with realistic situations and gentle moral teachings, they provide a glimpse of English upper middle class family life mid 19th century. Many with a preface but the author is not stated. Not for sale individually as we want to preserve this child's 1867 collection. Each is inscribed: "Hamilton Hazelhurst from his Ma: 25th Dec 1867" Please ask for details on individual volumes.
CONDITION: Most Very Good or better Two disbound of which one is a RC All with corners sharp or with tiny rubs, lightly toned pages very clean and unwrinkled, no foxing, nice paper, all inscribed to one child. Please ask for condition details. Institutional discount. Item #22713
$275