R. Caldecott's Collection of Pictures & Songs

London, George Routledge & Sons, Not Dated (Circa 1881). Fair. Hardcover. Possible First Edition but not dated.. Original illustrated paper covered boards, the book has been well used and enjoyed, hence the boards are soiled to the background and there is cracking along the hinges with crinkling and creasing to the spine, there is no front endpaper, the title page is loose but clean, it details the contents of the book, with stories being individually paginated etc The title page quotes the contents as being The Diverting History of John Gilpin; The House that Jack Built; An Elergy on the Death of a Mad Dog; The Babes in the Wood; The Three Jovial Huntsmen; Sing a Song for Sixpenxce; The Queen of Hearts; The Farmers Boy. "All exhibited in beautiful Engravings many of which are printed in colours. Drawn by R. C. Engraved and painted by E Evans, after which comes the publisher George Routledge & Sons plus their address. This book covers well known stories and rhymes for children, it is suitably Illustrated throughout with delightful images by Randolf Caldecott, engraved and printed by E Evans. Over 59 full page coloured illustrations, two of these coloured pictures are formed from a double page spread; the illustrations demonstrate the talented and enchanting skills of Caldecott and his ability to bring these stories and songs to life. The coloured illustrations are bright and clean just one has a very slight tear, in addition to these there are plenty of line drawings in the text and monotone full page illustrations. A splendid display of Victorian book illustrating that must have brought a sense of magical enjoyment to children at this time. The illustrations are cleverly executed to capture the personality of the stories and songs, full of fun, humour and splendid personalities. No inscriptions, marks or children's colouring to detract from the art work. Size 9.25 x 8.25 inches approx. A candidate for improvement by a skilled book-binder, this boook is still very desirable for the quality of the contents. .