The Hole Book

New York: Harper & Brothers, 1908. First Edition. Peter NEWELL. [JUVENILE] [RHYMING VERSE]. NEWELL, Peter, illustrator. First edition. 8vo; [50]pp; blue cloth over board, color pictorial onlay with title and author on front board; gift inscription in neat ink dated "Jan. 1, 1910" on ffep; pictorial title page printed in orange and black; 25 full-page color illustrations featuring a die-cut hole through the center as part of the story; thick stock; chipping to front onlay, fingermarks throughout; very good. One of three books by American author and cartoonist, Peter Newell (1862-1924), featuring a clever novelty aspect. A die-cut hole appears in the center of 46 of the book pages supporting the story of a boy named Tom who accidentally discharges a gun. The bullet travels through the story causing both narrow misses and disastrous results. Two other Newell books, The Slant Book and The Rocket Book also use the book form to assist the story line.