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A scarce 1912 first edition of Poems of Childhood, beautifully illustrated by Millicent Sowerby with twelve mounted colour plates in gilt recesses—an attractive Edwardian children’s gift book despite its well-loved condition.
1 in stock
A delightful example of early twentieth-century British children’s literature, Poems of Childhood brings together the charming verse of Githa Sowerby with the enchanting artwork of her sister, celebrated illustrator Millicent Sowerby. Published by Henry Frowde in association with Hodder & Stoughton, this beautifully produced volume is regarded as one of the finest collaborations between the talented Sowerby sisters and remains highly sought after by collectors of illustrated children’s books.
Poems of Childhood contains nineteen poems exploring the innocence, imagination and gentle wonder of childhood. Each poem is complemented by decorative Art Nouveau-inspired page borders and exquisite tipped-in colour plates mounted within elegant gilt recesses, giving the book an unmistakably luxurious Edwardian appearance. The illustrations retain their attractive colours and showcase the delicate artistic style that made Millicent Sowerby one of the most admired illustrators of the period.
Issued in an attractive quarter-cloth binding with textured boards and an embossed heart-shaped title panel, Poems of Childhood represents the high standards of British gift book production during the Edwardian era. Although undated, the volume is generally accepted as the first edition, published in 1912. It spans 46 pages and contains twelve mounted colour plates together with decorative black-and-white illustrations throughout.
Today, Poems of Childhood is an increasingly scarce title that appeals to collectors of antique children’s books, illustrated poetry, Art Nouveau bindings, Edwardian gift books and the works of both Githa and Millicent Sowerby. Its combination of beautifully produced illustrations, charming verse and period craftsmanship makes it a desirable addition to any collection of Golden Age illustrated books or early twentieth-century British literature.
Condition – Fair
Beautiful original hardcover with heavily worn boards and a dirty spine with the gilt lettering now barely visible. Ink writing to the front cover title panel and previous ownership writing to the endpaper. The binding remains intact but is separating from the spine. Pages show age-toning, foxing and scattered discoloration throughout. Complete with the beautiful mounted colour plates set into gilt-bordered recesses. Undated first edition comprising 46 pages.
