1933 Scarce First Edition - THE Jolly Gnome Illustrated by Ida Bohatta-Morpurgo

Author: Ida Bohatta-Morpurgo. (translated into English by June Head).
Title: The Jolly Gnome.
Publisher: Munich, Art Institutes “Ars Sacra” Joseph Mueller, 1933. Printed in Germany. First English Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 6" × 5".
Pages: 20 unpaginated pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good original decorated hardcover binding with charming full-colour pictorial boards. Light rubbing, minor surface wear, and gently worn corners as shown — hinges sound and binding tight. Presented under a protective removable mylar cover. A scarce survival in collectible condition.
Content: Very good (bright, clean, and well-preserved). Pages fresh with only light signs of handling. Neat ownership inscription on endpaper as shown. No tears, stains, or loose pages — unusually well-kept.
Illustrations: Complete with 10 delightful full-page colour plates by Ida Bohatta, filled with whimsical detail, warmth, and gentle humour — crisp, vivid, and enchanting.

Estimate: (USD 150–225).

The book: A scarce first English-language edition of The Jolly Gnome, issued by Joseph Mueller’s Ars Sacra press, known for producing charming, high-quality continental picture books in the interwar period. English-translated Bohatta editions from this publisher are particularly uncommon, especially in such appealing condition.

The author/illustrator: Ida Bohatta-Morpurgo (15 April 1900 – 14 November 1992) was a beloved Austrian illustrator and author whose small-format picture books became international favourites. Known for her tender characters, folkloric sensibility, and softly coloured compositions, she produced more than 40 titles that influenced generations of European children's book illustration.