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1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole
1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole

1912 Rare First Edition - A Child’s Book of Warriors Illustrated by Herbert Cole

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$270 USD - $270 USD
$270 USD
$270 USD - $270 USD
$270 USD

Author: William Canton. Illustrated by Herbert Cole.
Title: A Child’s Book of Warriors.
Publisher: London, J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd.; New York, E. P. Dutton & Co., circa 1912. First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7.5 x 5.5 inches.
Pages: x, 318 pages.
Binding: Attractive and near fine publisher’s original cream cloth binding beautifully decorated in gilt and colors on the upper cover and spine with a striking Art Nouveau design depicting a classical warrior holding a sword beneath a radiant sky (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. Upper edge gilt.
Content: Near fine content (bright, tight and clean - as shown). Interior remarkably well preserved. Many pages remain unopened, indicating the book has been little read since publication. The paper is clean and fresh, with only light natural toning as expected. A very well-preserved copy overall.
Illustrations: Complete with 3 beautiful color plates and 13 black-and-white full-page illustrations by Herbert Cole, including several dramatic historical scenes. The illustrations display Cole’s characteristic decorative line and rich storytelling style.

Estimate: (USD $300–350).

The book: A Child’s Book of Warriors is a richly illustrated historical work that introduces young readers to heroic figures from across the centuries. Through vivid storytelling, William Canton recounts tales of courage, faith, and perseverance, presenting warriors, kings, saints, and defenders of great causes whose actions shaped the course of history.

The narratives range widely across cultures and periods, including episodes from the ancient world, the early Christian era, and medieval Europe. Figures such as Justinian, Charlemagne, and Olaf the Viking appear alongside legendary defenders of faith and kingdom. Canton’s writing balances historical narrative with a tone of inspiration, presenting these stories as moral and imaginative lessons for young readers.

The book is particularly notable for the artwork of Herbert Cole, whose elegant illustrations combine elements of Art Nouveau design with medieval romanticism. The decorative binding and the richly composed color plates give the volume a striking visual character typical of the finest illustrated children’s books of the Edwardian period.

The author: William Canton (1845–1926) was a Scottish journalist, writer, and historian known for his engaging works of historical storytelling and literary criticism. A prolific author, Canton wrote biographies, essays, and historical narratives that often sought to inspire younger audiences by presenting heroic figures from the past. His works reflect the late Victorian and Edwardian fascination with moral heroism and the formative power of history.

The illustrator: Herbert Cole (1867–1930) was a British illustrator associated with the decorative and narrative traditions of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. His work appeared in numerous books for both children and adults, and he became known for his elegant line work, medieval themes, and richly imaginative compositions. Cole’s illustrations frequently blend historical romance with the flowing decorative elements characteristic of the Art Nouveau style, making his books particularly appealing to collectors of early twentieth-century illustrated literature.