Alphabet Cards
[circa 1880]
Complete set of Gilded Age alphabet trade cards advertising Blake's Great Piano Palace in Boston in a style reminiscent of Alfred Crowquill.
Early Childrens (pre-1900)
THE BABES IN THE WOOD, IN VERSE
1836
Early edition of this classic rhyme, published by "one of the two printers who dominated the New York City children's book publishing scene in the early 19th century" (Modero).
BLACKBIRD'S NEST, A TALE FOR YOUTH
1812
First edition of this moralistic tale of how friendship is tested by dishonesty, with delicate wood-engraved illustrations.
THE BOOK OF TRADES, OR LIBRARY OF THE USEFUL ARTS
1810
Fourth edition of this illustrated description of various 19th-century jobs, this copy lacking 2 plates of 67 total.
CARLO OR KINDNESS REWARDED
[circa 1870]
Gilded Age small-format McLoughlin Brothers publication with a cute pet dog theme.
THE CHILD'S BOOK, A PLEASING MEDLEY
1836
First edition of this illustrated collection of simple passages for early readers – a scarce Mahlon Day title.
THE CHILD'S OWN STORY BOOK, OR SIMPLE TALES
[circa 1861]
Later edition of this little collection of moral stories, presented to a child over 150 years ago.
THE CHILDREN IN THE WOOD
[circa 1850]
First edition thus, from publisher Mahlon Day, of this traditional and tragic tale, with lovely hand-colored illustrations.
THE CHILDREN IN THE WOOD
[circa 1859]
First edition thus, from Boston publisher Degen & Estes, of the tragic folktale, with woodcut illustrations after the circa 1850 Mahlon Day publication.
COUSIN GRACE'S PRETTY STORY BOOKS NO. 4: NURSERY RHYMES
[circa 1850]
First edition of this scarce little collection of illustrated nursery rhymes, including classics like Little Miss Muffet and Bah Bah Black Sheep.
DARLING EDITH AND HER WARDROBE
1894
First edition of this charming paper doll set, complete with fashionable chromolithograph dresses and hats, in the scarce original box.
ENTERTAINING VIEWS
[circa 1840s]
First edition of this charming collection of rural vignettes and short poems, including two depictions of men with prosthetic legs.
FAVORITE COLORED PICTURE BOOK
[circa 1877]
First edition of this brightly illustrated collection of poems and short stories, many focused on animals.
Five Editions of the NEW-ENGLAND PRIMER
[circa 1815-1850]
Collection of various early 19th-century printings of the influential American educational book, demonstrating its evolution over more than three decades.
FIVE LITTLE PIGS
[circa 1890]
Gilded Age McLoughlin Brothers publication of the traditional rhyme "This Little Pig Went to Market" from Aunt Mary's Little Series.
THE GIRL AND HER PETS AND OTHER STORIES
[circa 1868]
First edition of this near-miniature book of short stories, largely concerned with descriptions of animals.
GIRLS AND BOYS COME OUT TO PLAY
1901
Winter and Christmas-themed picture book from the McLoughlin Brothers, featuring rhymes for young children illustrated with chromolothographs with little children at play.
HARE AND MANY FRIENDS
[circa 1840s]
First edition of this tragic tale of a hare who finds out her animal friends are of the fair weather sort when she is being chased by hunters.
HISTORY OF PETER BROWN
[circa 1840s]
First edition of this Victorian cautionary tale about truancy and the dangers of swimming.
THE HISTORY OF THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT
[circa 1820]
First edition thus of this rare chapbook version of the classic accumulative rhyme, with charming woodcuts.
THE HISTORY OF TOM THUMB
[circa 1840s]
First edition of this chapbook collection of stories about the diminutive Tom Thumb, including his time in King Arthur's court and being eaten by a fish (twice).
THE HISTORY OF TOMMY AND HARRY
[circa 1820]
First edition of this illustrated moralistic chapbook about virtuous Tommy and his naughty brother Harry.
HOME PRIMER
1897
McLoughlin Primer, including illustrated alphabets and simple word lessons with large illustrations.
KING WINTER
[circa 1859]
First edition of this beautiful shape book, detailing the seasonal activities of the Santa Claus-like KING WINTER and his assistant Jack frost – in notably sharp condition.
Late Sixteenth Century Leather Hornbook
[circa early 17th century]
A unique leather hornbook, incorporating material from a recycled 17th century bookbinding.
