1922 Rare Book - The After You Story Book, Profusely Illustrated
Author: Various authors. Illustrated by G. Sheridan Knowles, Wright Barker, W. Kay Blacklock, W. Luker, Ernest Walbourn, W. Heath Robinson, and others.
Title: The "After You" Story Book.
Publisher: London and Melbourne, Ward, Lock & Co., Limited, no date (1920). First thus.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 10 x 8 inches.
Pages: Unpaginated.
Binding: Attractive and very good original publisher’s red cloth spine over pictorial paper-covered boards, featuring a charming colour illustration of a girl and boy by a tree (unsigned, possibly by Honor C. Appleton or Ethel Parkinson). Red cloth spine titled in black (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown, corners worn - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. A rare find in such a nice condition!
Content: Good content (bright, tight and clean, some light foxing or staining - as shown, bottom inner corner of one page roughly cut without affecting the text - as shown, gift note of a previous 1922 owner on the blank page at the back of the frontispiece - as shown).The charming illustrated endpapers by W. Heath Robinson remain intact.
Illustrations: Profusely illustrated throughout with six mounted colour plates by various artists (all present and in very good condition), numerous delightful black-and-white line drawings, and vignettes by contributors including W. Heath Robinson, G.E. Shepheard, M. Morris, Jessie Pope, A. Bowerley, Agnes Grozier Herbertson, and others.
Estimate: (USD 200–250).
The book: A captivating early 20th-century English children’s anthology, The "After You" Story Book gathers a treasure trove of short stories, poems, and verses designed to charm young readers and delight illustration collectors alike. Featuring contributions from notable Edwardian-era illustrators and authors, this edition stands out for its six vivid mounted colour plates (including idyllic garden and domestic scenes), richly imaginative line illustrations, and playful nursery rhyme endpapers by the celebrated W. Heath Robinson. This richly illustrated collection includes stories such as The Enchanted Garden, The Sugar Pig, and Fun on the Ice, echoing themes of childhood innocence, wonder, and polite virtues. A fine example of the Edwardian gift book tradition, perfectly preserved.
The authors and illustrators: This anthology showcases works from an ensemble of early 20th-century authors such as Agnes Grozier Herbertson, Isabel Maud Peacocke, and Jessie Pope, all known for their contributions to children’s literature. The book is further enriched by illustrations from a variety of acclaimed illustrators: W. Heath Robinson, famed for his humorous and elaborate drawings; G. Sheridan Knowles and Wright Barker, prominent painters of the time; and W. Kay Blacklock, whose romanticized views of childhood life feature prominently throughout.