The Walcott Twins

Philadelphia: Penn Publishing Company, 1900 Hard cover, 8vo, in green cloth with vivid print cover illustration by the artist Ida Waugh in orange, olive and black ink, the titles in gold to front and spine. 211pp. First American edition. (Printed in England in 1906.) A tissue-guarded frontispiece black and white heliotype reproduction of Waugh's is accompanied by an additional four illustrations within the text. Condition: Very Good. Exterior is generally bright and shows minimal wear, notwithstanding an area of staining to the rear board about two inches long. The interior has a small tear at hinge of floral-printed endpaper where remains of a small former owner's label was not wholly removed. Otherwise clean and gently age toned. One small stain to fore edge of text block, not seen on the shelf.**The story concerns the misadventures of a twin brother and sister, sent from their New York home in order to give their mother a rest after delivering her fifth child. High-jinks ensue when the twins change clothes and switch places, causing unforeseen havoc at the homes of various stuffy relatives. Some interesting gender role commentary here.** Artist Ida Waugh (1846-1919) was the daughter and sister of accomplished male artists, born in Philadelphia. She would study painting first at home, then in Paris, and also at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts from 1868. She and her life partner, Amy Ella Blanchard, were responsible for a number works of juvenile fiction. Hard to find in such clean condition. . First American Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good . Illus. by Waugh, Ida.