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Following the First World War, children’s illustrated literature took off. In previous centuries, children’s books were often written to impart adult interests and morality. By the 1920s, authors and artists began to write and paint to appeal to children’s unique sensibilities. Improvements to make color printing faster, more accurate, and cheaper combined with near universal literacy in the English-speaking world to enlarge the market for books. All these factors fostered the emergence of the picture book.
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Flowers, borders, initials, scrolls, intricate miniatures, vines and more - the term illuminated manuscript refers to any handprinted text accompanied by decoration. Often found in prayer and devotional books, illuminations create another level of enjoyment; not only the information, entertainment and fascination in reading, but also the pure pleasure of beauty, art and attention to detail. There are countless facsimiles and reproductions, which are painstakingly created to be as beautiful as the originals. They vary in price, but many are quite affordable.
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Illuminated Manuscripts
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First Edition, signed and inscribed by the author.
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1936 First English Edition.
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