1890 Rare Book - The Fortunes of the Ranger and Crusader, A Tale of Two Ships

Author: William H.G. Kingston.
Title: The Fortunes of the “Ranger” and “Crusader.” A Tale of Two Ships, and the Adventures of Their Passengers and Crews.
Publisher: London & Edinburgh, Gall & Inglis, [circa 1890].
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7.5" x 5.25".
Pages: x-352 pages.
Binding: Very attractive and very good original publisher’s richly illustrated olive-green pictorial cloth binding with elaborate gilt, black, white, and red stamped design depicting a ship navigating icy seas and figures on the spine (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. 
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, neat period ownership inscription dated January 26, 1891 on the first blank page - as shown). 
Illustrations: Complete with the vivid frontispiece color plate (“In another instant they caught sight of Peter scrambling up a tree, while a huge Tiger-seal was charging at him.”), with borders elegantly framed in red.

Estimate: (Scarce with no or few other copies in this attractive binding variant available for sale worldwide).

The book: A charming and adventurous Victorian nautical tale chronicling the fortunes of two ships—the Ranger and the Crusader—and their crews’ perils and exploits on high seas and distant lands. Combining moral instruction with sea-bound derring-do, this novel offered young readers an edifying dose of heroism, character, and exploration during the British Empire’s heyday. A fine example of Gall & Inglis’ striking pictorial bindings designed to attract young readers and collectors alike.

The author: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814–1880) was one of the most prolific authors of Victorian boys' adventure fiction. Deeply influenced by his own naval experiences and love of travel, Kingston penned tales that transported readers to distant oceans and colonial frontiers. His narratives frequently emphasized Christian virtues, courage, and patriotism, cementing his reputation as a staple of juvenile literature in the 19th century.