The Brownies: Their Book

$400 · Offered by Book Collector Inc

Author: Palmer Cox (1840-1924) Year: 1887 Publisher: The Century Company Place: New York Condition: xii+144 pages Illustrated throughout. Quarto (10 3/4" x 8 1/2") bound in original pictorial boards in original pictorial jacket in a custom slipcase. First edition, first state, with the De Vinne Press seal immediately below the copyright notice. The Brownies is a series of publications by Canadian illustrator and author Palmer Cox, based on names and elements from English traditional mythology and Scottish stories told to Cox by his grandmother. Illustrations with verse aimed at children, The Brownies was published in magazines and books during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Not unlike fairies and goblins, Brownies are imaginary little sprites, who are supposed to delight in harmless pranks and helpful deeds. Never allowing themselves to be seen by mortal eyes, they are male, drawn to represent many professions and nationalities, all mischievous members of the fairy world whose principal attribute is helping with chores while a family sleeps. The Brownie characters became famous in their day, and at the peak of their popularity were a pioneering name brand within merchandising. The first appearances of Brownie characters in a print publication took place in 1879, but not until the February, 1881 issue of Wide Awake magazine were the creatures printed in their final form. The first proper story, The Brownies' Ride, appeared in the February 1883 issue of the child

• Printing: first
• Binding: Hardcover

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