Wisdom in Miniature c 1800-20 rare wood cut pictchildren's book mystery fragment
Wisdom in Miniature c 1800-20 rare wood cut pictchildren's book mystery fragment Wisdom in Miniature c 1800-20 rare wood cut pictchildren's book mystery fragment Wisdom in Miniature c 1800-20 rare wood cut pictchildren's book mystery fragment Wisdom in Miniature c 1800-20 rare wood cut pictchildren's book mystery fragment Wisdom in Miniature c 1800-20 rare wood cut pictchildren's book mystery fragment Wisdom in Miniature c 1800-20 rare wood cut pictchildren's book mystery fragment
$ 98.00

(Old Books 19th Century Books, Children's Books, Illustrated Books).

Wisdom in Miniature.
Published c. 1790-1820's (?), United States or England. Lacking title page. 

We note (thank you to C.C. for this info) that the Internet Archive website has a similar 1805 version of this work titled "Wisdom in miniature : or the young gentleman and lady's magazine; being a collection of sentences, divine and moral; embellished with cuts. Printed by John Adams, c.1805. However, in this version the woodcut seen on pg. 8 is printed in mirror/ reverse image, something only possible with a newly cut wood block. Hence, our version is a variant with exact source still unknown.

Includes 12 well executed wood engraved images, hand made paper, hand set type font.

28 pages per surviving pagination. Begins page (4)-28; lacks first two wraps of gathering which includes title page and likely frontis (?). Unknown title, a small research mystery, particularly the wood engravings which seem excellent.

A fragmentary survival, being much of a rare early juvenile chap book. The even external age toning patina suggests the item has survived in this state for quite a long time.

Illustrated throughout with small well done engraved vignettes, clearly the work of a highly skilled if not talented wood engraver.

Paper wrappers. Lacking cover and title. Text incomplete, final Felicity entry trails off. Still a delightful item, a "noble survival" of a particular instructive chap book which has mostly vanished by now.

Item is physically old and shows some signs of handling and time. Item is not new or in "new" condition.

Paper covers gently age worn, slight rubbing, remains overall clean and attractive as an object.

Text block paper is gently toned, signs of handling, internally still well preserved, tight, sound.

Still attractive on the shelf. The fragile pamphlet displays a pleasing and unique age patina and is in nice antiquarian condition, any age flaws easy to overlook or forgive. 

Please review photos for more detail and our best attempt to convey how this rare ephemeral juvenile antique item survives.

Covers measures c. 4 1/2" H x 2 3/4" W.

[B4282].