The Hey Diddle Diddle Picture Book Hardcover - 1890

London/New York: Frederick Warne & Co., Ltd., 1890. First British Edition . Hardcover. VG-/No Jacket. Caldecott, Randolph. . Collection of 4 classic nursery rhymes brought to life for Victorian children with the lovely watercolor illustrations of British artist Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886), for whom the medal for "best illustrated children's book" would later be named. Includes: "The Milkmaid,'' "Hey Diddle Diddle and Baby Bunting,'' "A Frog He Would A-Wooing Go,'' & "The Fox Jumps over the Parson's Gate." Each story is approximately 24 pages, illustrated with both full-color plates & sepia-toned sketches. No dates, but this appears to be the First British Edition from Frederick Warne, c. 1890. Oblong hardcover octavo (8" x 9.5") has soft gray cloth-covered boards brightly decorated in red & black to front cover, lettered in black to spine. Condition is VG- (minus): Very clean & bright front cover, with a few small soiled spots to rear board. Small numbers at lower spine suggest that this was an ex-lib copy, though there are NO marks in the book, but the first page (ffep) has been removed. Stitched binding is loosening, but secure, hinges intact. Pages creamy white & unmarked except for a noticeable dampstain to the bottom edges in he first story, which appears very faintly in the second story, & is completely gone in stories 3 & 4. Very slight bumping to heel of spine & corners. No DJ, as issued (never came with one). Our photos depict the exact book you will receive, never "stock" images of books we don't actually have! Same day shipping on all orders received by 2 pm Weekdays (Pacific time); later orders, Weekends, & holidays ship very next business day.