1878 First Edition bound by Sangorski - Under the Window. Pictures & Rhymes for Children by Kate Greenaway.
A highly desirable first edition of Kate Greenaway’s iconic Under the Window, presented here in a fine Sangorski & Sutcliffe binding — a combination of literary importance and exceptional craftsmanship rarely encountered on the market.
Author: Kate Greenaway.
Title: Under the Window. Pictures & Rhymes for Children.
Publisher: London, George Routledge & Sons, no date (1878). First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 9.5" X 7.5".
Pages: 64 pages.
Binding: Exquisite full red morocco binding, finely bound and signed by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, featuring a charming multi-colored morocco onlay of a young girl seated on a fence, with elaborate gilt decoration and titled spine. All edges gilt. Presented in a near fine slipcase (lightly scuffed as shown).
Content: A well-preserved and highly collectible copy. Internally bright, tight, and clean, with only light foxing.
Illustrations: Profusely illustrated with full-page and in-text color illustrations by Kate Greenaway.
Estimate: Scarce in such a refined Sangorski binding, with few comparable copies available on the market.
The book: Published in 1878, Under the Window marked the beginning of Kate Greenaway’s remarkable career and was an immediate success, reportedly selling tens of thousands of copies upon release. Its delicate illustrations and gentle depictions of childhood quickly captured the imagination of Victorian readers and remain emblematic of the Golden Age of Illustration.
Copies in fine bindings by Sangorski & Sutcliffe are particularly sought after by collectors, combining Greenaway’s artistic legacy with the craftsmanship of one of England’s most prestigious binderies.
Collector’s note: This example stands out not only for its first edition status, but also for its elegant Sangorski binding — a combination that significantly enhances its desirability. Well-preserved copies in such bindings are increasingly scarce, making this a compelling acquisition for collectors seeking both aesthetic beauty and long-term value.
The author: Kate Greenaway (1846–1901) was one of the most influential illustrators of the Victorian era. Her distinctive style, inspired by 18th-century costume and idyllic childhood scenes, became widely imitated and remains highly collectible today. Her work helped define the visual identity of children’s books during the Golden Age of Illustration.
Edition note: This copy includes most first-state points, including the illustrations on pages 21, 35, and 63 (later removed in subsequent issues), though lacking "End of Contents" on page 14. The work was an immediate success, with reported sales of approximately 150,000 copies, and was translated into several languages shortly after publication.
✔ Unique copy
✔ No reprints – original 19th century edition
✔ Increasingly difficult to find in this condition