Cloth binding for ‘Stories about Birds’

Unsigned

[circa 1875]

Cloth binding

8¾ x 6½ inches

This is a prime example of the undistinguished cover-style of the 1870s. Although the wood-engravings of animals contained within its pages are accomplished, the five gilt roundels of creatures on the upper board are schematic and uninspired, and do little to appeal to the audience of young adults to whom the work is addressed [Commentary continues below.]

Scan and text by Simon Cooke [Click on image to enlarge it, and mouse over the text for links.]

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