THE PLEASANT AND DELIGHTFUL HISTORY OF JACK AND THE GIANTS

Published by The Running Stationers, Nottingham, 1790

First edition of this scarce chapbook in two parts, containing the giant slaying exploits of a farmer's son in Arthurian England. The classic tale of Jack the Giant-Killer was featured in chapbooks as early as 1711; widely-available chapbooks "contained all the popular literature of four centuries" in a simplified and inexpensive form, making stories accessible to new audiences (Darnton, 81). Produced with cost reduction as a priority, chapbook publishers were known to re-use illustrations widely, a practice on full display in JACK AND THE GIANTS: one kingly illustration looks to have come straight out of a 15th-century work. This particularly ephemeral edition is a remarkable survival. Two parts, 6.5'' x 3.75'' each. Self-wrappers with titles and woodcuts to front. Each with four woodcuts. 12; 12 pages, uncut. Spine of part I largely perished, still holding; part II with 1.5'' loss to lower corner of first leaf, not affecting text. Significant toning and wear. Seller Inventory # 44854

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE PLEASANT AND DELIGHTFUL HISTORY OF JACK ...
Publisher: The Running Stationers, Nottingham
Publication Date: 1790
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very good.
Edition: 1st Edition