[Various Authors] ; Bross, Robert & Bogart, John – [Engravers]

My Pretty Present My Pretty Present [Scarce Victorian Gift Book with Bross-Bogart Engravings]

New York and London: Thomas Nelson and Sons, & S.W. Partridge and Sons, 1885. First Edition, First Printing. Illustrated Hardcover.

A delicate and bright example of late-Victorian moral literature, featuring high-quality wood-block engravings by the noted firm of Bross & Bogart.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Color-printed cover lithograph; numerous wood-block engraved plates and a title vignette by the Bross-Bogart studio. +++ Binding: Original paper-covered boards; front cover features a vibrant mounted chromolithograph. 
+++ Content: A series of moral vignettes and instructional stories typical of the 'Conduct of Life' genre for children. 
+++ Associated Names: Robert Bross and John Bogart (Engravers); S.W. Partridge (London Co-Publisher). 
+++ Rarity: Uncommon; WorldCat and institutional records suggest fewer than 15 copies held worldwide. 

CONDITION: Very Good -- Bindings are tight and square. Text is clean with light, even toning consistent with 19th-century paper stock. Moderate shelf wear to the edges of the boards; the front cover illustration remains exceptionally bright and well-preserved.
+++ Imprint: Thomas Nelson and Sons / S.W. Partridge and Sons. First Edition. 
+++ Specs: 5.75 inches tall / [56] unnumbered pages.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Thomas Nelson and Sons were pioneers in the 'reward book' and 'gift book' market, utilizing high-quality illustrations to make moral and religious instruction more palatable to children. 'My Pretty Present' is a prime example of the transition from strictly religious tracts to the more aesthetic 'gift' book style of the 1880s.

The inclusion of engravings by Bross-Bogart is significant. Robert Bross was a prominent New York engraver whose studio provided the high-level technical detail required for the 'fine-line' wood engraving style that dominated the American market before the widespread adoption of halftone processes. The dual imprint suggests a coordinated transatlantic release, a hallmark of Nelson’s expansive 19th-century distribution network.

SUBJECTS: Conduct of Life, Victorian Education, Children's Moral Stories, Wood Engraving, 19th Century Lithography, Thomas Nelson & Sons, Juvenile Literature, Victorian Gift Book, Conduct of Life.

Item #17169

Price: $85.00