The Children at the Pole [Concertina Book]

New Yok: Henry Holt and Company, 1914. Rare classic gem of children's literature. Litho on board concertina or accordian book. The front side has sixteen illustrations with a story caption at the base. The reverse includes a two page pictorial map of the Polar Region followed by fourteen panels of text. Letterpress by Lionel Fable. Measures 5 1/4" x 6". Matching boards, moderate corner, edge wear, bump. Cover features charming illustration of children pulled in dog sled in subdued brown, red and blue hues. Unique 'accordian' style fold-out leaves very good, clean; adhesive at one panel, attractive vintage name, date. One side features fourteen pages of the folded tale beginning with a two page map of the nether regions of the northern pole and the other side illustrations with captions. Fold-out panorama with sixteen charming color drawings and a poem on one side, and the text of the story, on the other. Part of the series, "Willy Pogany Children." A near very good rarity. Printed by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son Ltd., Parker Street, London, England. 16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall. Insured post. Willy Pogany (1882-1955) was a prolific Hungarian book illustrator best known for his pen and ink drawings of myths and fables such as the German legend of Tannhauser and Goethe's Faust. A large portion of Pogany's work can be termed Art Nouveau. Pogany's artistic style is heavily fairy-tale orientated and often features motifs of mythical animals such as nymphs and pixies. His dreamy colour illustrations are exemplified by the simple colorful imagery in this children's tale, but his pen and ink drawings also portray the extent of his talent.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Good. Illus. by Pogany, Willy. 16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall.