book;
book-illustration;
print
- Museum number
- 1881,1008.50-52
- Description
-
Reid 4802. An edition of 'Christmas stories.' with illustrations by George Cruikshank. Bound in tree calf with "Berens Christmas Stories" on the spine in gold. The blindstamp of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge is on the front cover.
Lettered on the title-page: "Christmas stories containing John Wildgoose the poacher, the smuggler and good-nature, or Parish matters. Second edition. Oxford, Printed by W. Baxter, for J. Parker; and C. and J. Rivington, St Paul's Church Yard, and Waterloo Place, London. 1827." With an advertisement against poaching (see comments.)
With the following illustrations:
1. Reid 1136. 'the history of John Wildgoose.' Lucy Wilmot and the poacher grasping each other's hands in silent agony at their interview after his condemnation.
2. Reid 1137. 'The Smuggler." Waldron Coding receiving his wife's greeting on her opening the door to him and his companion after their long absence.
3. Reid 1138. Good nature or Parish matters. John Truman overhearing Nanny Fowler and her neighbours unjustly abusing Farmer Oldacre.
At the end of the text: "Baxter, Printer, Oxford."
1827 edition (first published in 1823.)
An illustrated book with letterpress illustrations
- Production date
- 1827
- Dimensions
-
Height: 174 millimetres
-
Width: 106 millimetres
- Curator's comments
- Description based on GW Reid, 'A descriptive catalogue of the works of George Cruikshank.'
The advertisement at the beginning of the book states an intention to put together: "a little Tract on the evil and danger of poaching; an offence that often leads on to the most immoral habits and most henious crimes. It seemed that his object might be answered by the aid of narrative and dialogue, more effectually than a regular and continued discourse. If it should be thought in any degree, worthy of standing on the same shelf with 'Trimmer's Instructive Tales' and the 'Cheap Repository Tracts.' the ambition of the author will be gratified. 27 Jan 1821."
Reid states that the book was issued by the Society for Promoting Christian knowledge and ran to many editions. Cohn states: "The greater part of the first edition and the whole of subsequent issues were bought up by the SPCK and bound by them in whole sheepskin with cut and sprinkled edges and the Society's blind stamp upon the upper cover."
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1881
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1881,1008.50-52
