1847 Rare First Edition - The Silver Swan, A Fairy Tale by Clara de Chatelain

Author: Madame de Chatelain. Illustrated by John Leech.
Title: The Silver Swan. A Fairy Tale.
Publisher: London, Grant and Griffith, successors to J. Harris, Corner of St. Paul’s Churchyard, 1847. First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 6.5 x 5 inches.
Pages: 143 pages + publisher's catalog.
Binding: Attractive and very good contemporary elegant quarter vellum over patterned paper boards. The spine features subtle gilt tooling at head and tail compartments, with vellum corners matching the spine (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown, gilt title on spine faded - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing, toning or staining - as shown, name of a previous owner on the second blank page - as shown).
Illustrations: Illustrated with four detailed wood engravings by John Leech, including a frontispiece and full-page plates such as “Kaspar’s Reception by His Neighbours” and “The Departure of Kaspar’s Fortune.” Leech’s humorous and expressive style enhances the whimsical and satirical tone of the tale.

Estimate: (Scarce with no or few other copies available for sale worldwide).

The book: The Silver Swan is a rare and delightful example of early Victorian fairy tale literature, blending humor, satire, and moral lessons. Set in the fictionalized spa town of Bad-Ems, the story follows the rise of a humble innkeeper named Kaspar who is granted sudden wealth through enchanted means. The narrative offers both fantastical elements and tongue-in-cheek social commentary, making it enjoyable for children and adults alike. This first edition, finely illustrated by John Leech, is a collectible piece representative of mid-19th-century children's storytelling and book design.

The author: Madame de Chatelain (Clara Du Mazet de Pontigny, 1807–1876) was a well-respected Franco-British author and translator known for her charming fairy tales and her translations of French literature into English. Her original stories often included strong moral undertones and were praised for their elegance and wit. She played an important role in bringing continental European literature and values into the Victorian literary market.

The illustrator: John Leech (1817–1864) was one of the most celebrated British illustrators and cartoonists of the Victorian era, best known for his work for Punch magazine and for illustrating Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. His distinctive line work and satirical humor are evident in The Silver Swan, where his illustrations bring a vivid and humorous dimension to Madame de Chatelain’s fairy tale. Leech's contributions help elevate this edition to a treasured piece of illustrated Victorian fiction.