Metamorphosis;

or, a Transformation of Pictures, with Poetical Explanations, for the Amusement of Young Persons.

  • New York: Samuel Wood and Sons, 1824
By SANDS, Benjamin
New York: Samuel Wood and Sons, 1824. TRANSFORMATION BOOK. [SANDS, Benjamin, author]. Metamorphosis; or, a Transformation of Pictures, with Poetical Explanations, for the Amusement of Young Persons. New York: Samuel Wood and Sons. Printed by J. Rakestraw, Philadelphia, 1824.

A later edition, first published in Philadelphia circa 1787. Oblong leaf folded perpendicularly three times into 4 leaves; the top (80 mm) and bottom (60 mm) are folded inward over the central portion and spaces between the leaves have been cut out to form flaps. Leaf when open: (11 1/2 x 14 3/4 inches; 295 x 372 mm); when folded:(5 1/2 x 3 3/4 inches; 140 x 95 mm) With numerous woodcut illustrations by J. Poupard. Each leaf is folded inward at the top and bottom to create multiple illustrations when the flaps are closed and open. The illustrations include Adam and Eve, a lion and a griffin, a man and a heart, a man and a skeleton. The first line of text reads: "1. Adam comes first upon the stage, And Eve from out his side, Who was given him in marriage; Turn up and see his bride."

Self wrapped. With some browning, spotting and dampstaining throughout. With tape repairs at folds. One fold is detached but present. The final bottom flap (containing #11) in possible facsimile, or supplied from another copy. Overall a very nice copy.

The last copy of the first Philadelphia edition listed on Rare Book Hub was sold in 1937 and it states that the only other cop recorded was listed in Rosenbach #445.

[Together with]: A later edition of the same work, dated 1827. This copy worn and dampstained with hand-stitched repairs but complete. Some hand-coloring to the Adam and Eve plate. A tear runing through the center of the leaves.

Also known as a harlequinade, or a turn-up, this early moveable book for children has upper and lower flaps the reader manipulates according to instructions in the poem in order to transform the pictures.

"A popular transformation or "metamorphosis" book with illustrations printed after James Poupard. In addition to the clever and detailed images of animals and figures, there are ornamental designs composing the head- and tail-pieces on the inner plates consisting of alphabet letters and numerals, as well as the author's name. The verses give instructions on how to proceed with the foldings." (Welch 1163.25) Welch 1163.25.

HBS 69587.

$1,500.

Details

Title

Metamorphosis;

Author

SANDS, Benjamin

Condition

Unknown

Publisher

Samuel Wood and Sons: New York

Date

1824


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