The Affectionate Parent's Gift And the Good Child's Reward Consisting of a Series of Poems and Essays on Natural, Moral and Religious Subjects

The first edition of this extremely scarce children's anthology. Direct from the library of the late Hugh Selbourne MD (1906-1973) a noted book collector and diarist. Both volumes bound as one. Illustrated With 111 full page plates. Extremely scarce with only three entries listed on copac and one on worldcat. Worldcat entry states that there should be 114 plates whereas other copies for sale state 111. Erroneously bound with title page to volume II bound after the preface to volume I. Lacking title page to volume I. Collated, incomplete. Lacking final four pages to volume II and possibly three plates. A collection of children's poetry and essays. The themes of reward and punishment, behaviour and piety which can be found in Horsley's work were common to Nineteenth century children's literature. The poems vary in tone from 'the value of the soul' to 'the lunatic asylum'. Horsley's introductory essay 'Address to Youth' tells children of their duties and obligations they owe to God and to their parents, he says that through his poetry he has endeavoured to introduce the reader to the scriptures as well as good and evil 'in a pleasing and familiar a manner as I possibly could.' In a full calf binding. Externally, worn. Rear board has detached with front joint and hinge tender with the board hanging by one cord. Rubbing to the extremities. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are slightly cockled due to damp staining. Pages are age toned with instances of scattered spotting throughout. Lacking final four pages and title page to volume I. Fair.…