Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and England [COMPLETE SET OF SHAPE BOOKS]. M.G. Publication Date: 1892 Condition: Very Good

Title: Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, ...

Publisher: London, Castell Brothers. Printed in Bavaria.

Publication Date: 1892

Binding: Soft cover

Book Condition: Very Good

Edition: 1st Edition

COMPLETE SET OF SIX SHAPE BOOKS. Each [8] printed pages. Chromolithograph card covers and illustrations. Die cut shape books in the form of the Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and England (contemporary gift inscription on blank inner cover of Australia only). 112 x 88mm. Scarce shape books with rhyming verses designed to promote travel to Australia, Canada and South Africa from England, Ireland and Scotland, attributed to M.G. The cover depicts the mainlands with vignettes of largest cities, such as Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and with two or more cherubic youths in what was considered appropriate dress, such as mining costumes in the gold fields with pickaxes and spades. The illustrations show native animals including kangaroo, emu, roseate cockatoo, bear, ostrich, zebras, giraffes; with Aboriginal people, sheep mustering, a bullock team crossing the bush, hunting, fishing, toboganning, football, cricket, golf, bagpiping, burning kelp, gathering cockles, outspanning while on the trek, & a diamond mine at Kimberley. The rear covers have lists of the counties, states, capitals, towns, rivers and mountains. Muir, Bibliography of Australian children's books, 6688. Vivid depictions from over a hundred years after the first European colonisation of the continents of Australia, Canada and South Africa, targeting new immigrants from England, Scotland and Ireland. Few sets available in such fine condition as this- most survivors, with their irregular edges, would, in children's hands, have quickly become quite worn. Seller Inventory # 5227