Ernest Nister No. 4682 “Off for the Holidays” rare antique book.
Verses by Sheila Braine, and signed illustrations by G.H. Thompson. Printed in England, E.P. Dutton & Co., New York. Oblong/landscape, 36 pages, eight full-page full-color illustration plates, nine full-page illustrations in black, nine in-text illustrations, plus pictorial title page, and green pictorial pastedowns, frontispiece, and endpaper.
This scarce volume is a lovely showcase of Nister’s bright and detailed chromolithography, G.H. Thompson’s nuanced depictions of character emotions, and Sheila Braine’s lively, rhyming verse and Victorian humor. It is a tale of the many nuisances of vacation travel, including the train getting stuck in the snow! It charmingly references the possibility of spotting a “flapper” woman, jokes about the time zone clocks at the train station, and includes familiar travel misadventure motifs such as bulky luggage, weather, family expectations, and adventurous pets and children. Uniquely, it refers to the view from the travel car “moving pictures” that captivate the children. This scarce volume is a fine example of high-production Victorian children’s literature.
Taped spine. Separation of frontispiece. Cracked hinges. Soiling, tanning, shelf wear. Free of tears or marks. Overall, in excellent antique children’s book condition. A fine addition to any collection.
~28x23cm; 1lb 8oz
scarcity rating: 2+
SOLD. Follow on socials to see what’s new!
