1895 Scare First Edition - Cat Stories, Pussy Tales by E. Nesbit

Author: E. Nesbit.
Title: Pussy Tales.
Publisher: London: Marcus Ward & Co., circa 1895. Scarce First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 9 x 6.5 inches.
Pages: Unpaginated.
Binding: Very good to near fine original decorative publisher’s cloth binding elaborately stamped in gilt and black with charming cat motifs to the front cover (hinges fine, cloth fresh and bright with only light wear - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, light occasional foxing, prize bookplate to the front endpaper and pencil ownership inscription to the rear endpaper - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the beautiful colour frontispiece and numerous sepia-toned illustrations throughout by M. Bowley.

Estimate: (USD $300–350).

The book: A charming and scarce late-Victorian children’s book by E. Nesbit, filled with whimsical anthropomorphic cat stories written with the wit, warmth, and imagination that made Nesbit one of the great pioneers of modern children’s literature. Pussy Tales presents a delightful series of feline narratives accompanied by expressive illustrations that perfectly capture the playful elegance and humor of the text.

Published by Marcus Ward & Co. around 1895, this beautifully produced edition reflects the golden age of illustrated children’s books, with attractive decorative cloth binding, delicate sepia artwork, and a lovely color frontispiece. Copies in such well-preserved condition are increasingly difficult to find.

The author: E. Nesbit (1858–1924) was one of the most influential writers of children’s literature in the English language. Best known for classics such as The Railway Children and Five Children and It, Nesbit transformed children’s fiction through her natural dialogue, imaginative storytelling, and ability to blend fantasy with everyday life. Her work profoundly influenced later authors including C. S. Lewis and J. K. Rowling.

The illustrator: M. Bowley was an illustrator active during the late Victorian period whose delicate and expressive drawings contributed to the charm of illustrated juvenile books of the era. The artwork in Pussy Tales wonderfully complements Nesbit’s affectionate and humorous portrayal of cats and childhood imagination.