1904 Rare Book - The Heroes, Greek Fairy Tales by Charles Kingsley, Illustrated

Author: Charles Kingsley.
Title: The Heroes or Greek Fairy Tales for My Children.
Publisher: London, Macmillan and Co., Limited / New York, The Macmillan Company, 1904.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7.5" x 5.25".
Pages: xviii-218 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good, near fine exquisite full polished tree calf leather, elaborately tooled in gilt on the spine with raised bands and gilt dentelle. The front board bears a finely executed gilt figure of a seated dog adorned with star motifs, reminiscent of the immortal golden watchdogs forged by Hephaestus in Homer’s Odyssey, guardians of the palace of Alcinous. Unsigned but of fine craftsmanship, in the style of the best London binders of the Edwardian era (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. All edges marbled.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, previous owner's name is discreetly inscribed on the second blank pages - as shown). 
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout with charming drawings by the author, Charles Kingsley. The images are delicately printed and artistically arranged within the text, retaining their full Victorian appeal.

The book: A beautifully produced Edwardian edition of The Heroes, Charles Kingsley’s classic retelling of Greek mythology for children. Including the tales of Perseus, the Argonauts, and Theseus, this edition is as enduring in its narrative charm as it is elevated by its mythologically resonant binding. The front board’s golden dog evokes Homer’s unforgettable image of the divine guardians forged by Hephaestus, eternally watching over the shining palace of King Alcinous — an allusion that perfectly suits the book’s purpose: guarding the heroic lore of ancient Greece.

The author: Charles Kingsley (1819–1875) was a Victorian clergyman, historian, and novelist whose writings shaped generations of English readers. Combining moral purpose with adventure and scholarship, The Heroes remains one of his most beloved works, especially for young audiences discovering the foundations of Western myth.

The symbolism: The gilt dog on the cover, seated and adorned with stars, likely symbolizes one of the immortal golden dogs described in The Odyssey — a poetic choice for a book guarding the mythic tales of Greek heroes.