{"product_id":"1914-scarce-first-edition-leporello-robinson-crusoe-by-willy-pogany","title":"1914 Scarce First Edition, Leporello - Robinson Crusoe by Willy Pogány","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn uncommon first edition of Robinson Crusoe illustrated by Willy Pogány, presented in an ingenious double-sided leporello (concertina) format, with fourteen panels of narrative text and sixteen beautifully coloured pictorial panels unfolding into a delightful panorama of the famous adventure.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor\u003c\/strong\u003e: Daniel Defoe; adapted for children. Illustrated by Willy Pogány.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTitle\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cem\u003eRobinson Crusoe.\u003c\/em\u003e From the \u003cem\u003eWilly Pogány Children\u003c\/em\u003e series.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: London: George G. Harrap \u0026amp; Company. Undated. Circa 1914.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdition\u003c\/strong\u003e: First Edition illustrated by Willy Pogány, circa 1914. Scarce concertina or leporello edition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage\u003c\/strong\u003e: English.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePages\u003c\/strong\u003e: 14 folding panels of narrative text on one side, with 16 illustrated panels on the reverse.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e: 6 x 5 inches (closed).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBinding\u003c\/strong\u003e: Very good original pictorial paper-covered boards, featuring a striking coloured illustration of Robinson Crusoe in his goatskin clothing, accompanied by his dog, against a blue seascape. Lettering in black and pale green, with the publisher's imprint along the lower edge. Light rubbing to the edges and corners, minor surface marks, and modest age-related wear, particularly along the folds and extremities. The attractive original covers remain well preserved. Protected in a removable mylar cover. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContent\u003c\/strong\u003e: Very good and complete, retaining the unusual double-sided concertina construction. The narrative panels are generally clean and legible, with occasional light foxing, minor age-toning, and small handling marks. The illustrated panels retain their delicate colours and fine detail. The folds show some expected age-related wear, but the book remains an attractive and well-preserved example of this uncommon format.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrations\u003c\/strong\u003e: Complete with 16 delightful coloured panels by Willy Pogány, arranged as a continuous folding pictorial sequence. The illustrations depict Robinson Crusoe's departure, shipwreck, arrival on the island, construction of his shelter, companionship with his animals, discovery of footprints, encounter with Friday, and eventual return home. The charming cover illustration is also by Pogány.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstimate\u003c\/strong\u003e: USD $300–350.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe book\u003c\/strong\u003e: This uncommon edition of \u003cem\u003eRobinson Crusoe\u003c\/em\u003e, published by George G. Harrap \u0026amp; Company as part of the \u003cem\u003eWilly Pogány Children\u003c\/em\u003e series, offers a wonderfully inventive interpretation of Daniel Defoe's celebrated adventure. Rather than following the conventional format of a bound picture book, the story is presented as a double-sided leporello, or concertina book, which unfolds into an extended illustrated panorama. Fourteen panels contain a simplified prose retelling of Crusoe's adventures, while sixteen panels on the reverse present Pogány's charming pictorial narrative, accompanied by short rhyming verses. The result is an engaging combination of storytelling, illustration, and imaginative book design, allowing young readers to experience the adventure as a continuous visual journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe illustrations are especially appealing for their delicate outlines, restrained pastel colours, and whimsical characterisation. Pogány transforms the familiar story into a succession of lively miniature scenes, from the dramatic shipwreck and Crusoe's resourceful life on the island to his encounters with animals, the discovery of mysterious footprints, his friendship with Friday, and his eventual rescue. The ingenious folding construction permits the illustrations to be viewed individually or opened out as an extended sequence, giving the book an almost theatrical quality. Surviving examples retaining their original pictorial boards, complete folding sequence, and attractive colouring are particularly desirable to collectors of illustrated children's books, movable and novelty books, and the work of Willy Pogány.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe author\u003c\/strong\u003e: Daniel Defoe (c. 1660–1731) was an English novelist, journalist, and pamphleteer, best remembered for \u003cem\u003eRobinson Crusoe\u003c\/em\u003e, first published in 1719. One of the most influential adventure narratives in English literature, the novel recounts the experiences of a shipwrecked sailor who survives for years on a remote island through ingenuity, perseverance, and practical resourcefulness. Its extraordinary popularity inspired countless adaptations, abridgements, illustrated editions, and retellings for younger readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e: Willy Pogány (1882–1955) was a Hungarian-born illustrator and designer whose imaginative work helped shape the golden age of illustrated books. After establishing his reputation in Europe, he became internationally celebrated for his richly decorative interpretations of literature, mythology, fairy tales, and children's stories. His work combines graceful line drawing, inventive composition, and a distinctive sense of fantasy, influenced by Art Nouveau and the decorative arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough particularly admired for his sumptuous illustrated editions of works such as \u003cem\u003eThe Rime of the Ancient Mariner\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eRubáiyát of Omar Khayyám\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eParsifal\u003c\/em\u003e, Pogány was equally accomplished in smaller and more playful formats intended for children. In this charming edition of \u003cem\u003eRobinson Crusoe\u003c\/em\u003e, his delicate colours, expressive figures, and imaginative use of the concertina format demonstrate his remarkable versatility. The result is a particularly appealing and uncommon example of his contribution to early twentieth-century children's book illustration.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MFLIBRA - Antique Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67631415230713,"sku":null,"price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/3348\/files\/20261107robinsoncrusoe_01.jpg?v=1794086096","url":"https:\/\/mflibra.com\/products\/1914-scarce-first-edition-leporello-robinson-crusoe-by-willy-pogany","provider":"MFLIBRA - Antique Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}