The Old Pincushion
Chambers, 1910.
First edition, deluxe binding. 8vo. White cloth with gilt lettering and black and green vignette of children on the front board and spine. Eight colour plates and eleven line drawings at the beginning of each chapter by Mabel Lucie Attwell. A near fine copy, with the covers remaining bright, with slight wear to the spine ends and light foxing throughout. Neat contemporary gift inscription to the verso of the front free endpaper.
Mary Louisa Molesworth, known as 'Mrs Molesworth', published over one-hundred popular children's books. She also wrote books for adults under the pseudonym of 'Ennis Graham'.
Her work was thought to have been popular due to its fresh take on childhood. Her writing did not include the strict Victorian moral lessons of the time, but rather she tailored her books to the interests, friendships and triumphs of children.
The art of Mabel Lucie Attwell is instantly identifiable - in this particular book with charmingly chubby-cheeked children and simple strong line-work. For most of the twentieth century she was a household name: barely a home in England was without one of her wall plaques or calendars.
Stock ID: 46253
