Diamonds and Toads and Two Other Stories: Diamonds and Toads, Scripture Histories, Jack and Jill and Old Dame Gill (Three Chapbooks in Envelopes and Slipcase) [Facsimile Editions, Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books, Toronto Public Library].

Each book: Paperback small, very good condition, frontispiece, black & white plates. Three books (each in envelope) & single slipcase. 14 + 21 + 16 pp. Facsimile edition. Diamonds and Toads is a translation of Les Fees, a little-known story that first appeared in Perrault's Histoires 1697, but the edition reproduced here was originally printed by T. Brandard, Birmingham. The second booklet Scripture Histories retells eight stories from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. This booklet was printed by F. Houlston and Son, Wellington. The woodcuts in this booklet are appropriate to the texts. The third chapbook was published by John Golby Rusher, Banbury, who opened a printing office in 1808. Jack and Jill, and Old Dame Gill begins with a traditional English rhyme, dating perhaps from the early 17th century. The second verse is more recent, and the further 13 stanzas, found in many early 19th-century chapbooks, were added by an anonymous hand. The woodcuts were designed by George Cruikshank and then engraved by A. R. Branston. Jack and Jill is folded uncut, as originally printed. The card envelopes that wrap around each individual booklet add a special touch. (One of a set of 35 handsome facsimiles in 28 slipcases.).…