first edition
1920 · London / Philadelphia
by Kingsley, Charles; Attwell, Mabel Lucie; Vredenburg, Edric
London / Philadelphia: Raphael Tuck & Sons, Ltd. / David McKay Company, 1920. Very good plus.. First US edition, illustrated by Attwell, of Kingsley's classic "Fairy Tale for a Land Baby," a perfect title to showcase Attwell's art of chubby-cheeked children. Best known for her Boo-Boos series, Mabel Lucie Attwell's art was tremendously popular in this period. In addition to illustrating numerous children's books, her darling little babies appeared on everything from tea sets to thimbles to handkerchiefs. This lovely edition of THE WATER BABIES has her nostalgic artistic sensibilities on full display. 9.5'' x 7''. Original blue cloth boards. Color frontispiece with 11 color plates and numerous black-and-white illustrations. 144 pages. Binding with mild edgewear and a couple tiny scuffs, a hint of soil; spine gilt somewhat burnished. Rear hinge cracking but firm; text block a bit shaken. Leaves with scattered foxing, occasional mild finger soil to margins. Colors bright.
(Inventory #: 38431)