ALPHABET -

ABC, ALPHABET. This is a curious book with no publication information anywhere. The book measures 4 1/2 x 7", cloth, inconspicuous joint repairs and few pages with old mends neatly done else VG+. Circa 1850-60, printed on one side of the paper only and illustrated with woodcuts on every page. The first part of the book has 2 pictorial alphabets. The first has 8 words for each letter with 3 pictures per page (J is for Jew). The second is an alphabet in rhyme, mainly of names, with 2 illustrations per page. They are followed by a number of sections each one with a half page illustration. Two of these sections deal with more than 20 sports and pasttimes including Football, Hockey, Tennis, Cricket, Shuttlecock, Trap Bat and Ball and more. There is the story of a horse told from the horse's point of view. He has a series of miserable owners, is abused and finally finds a master that appreciates him. Other stories are 12 page tributes to relatives in verse like My Mother, My Father, My Grandmother, My Grandfather, My Aunt, My Brother. The illustrations are well printed and this is an interesting mid 19th century children's book.