“FOR THE HOLLOW SMILE OF THE FALSEST FRIEND THAT HUMANITY EVER TRUSTED!”

CRUIKSHANK, George. Stenelaus and Amylda; A Christmas Legend. For Children of a Larger Growth. London: Griffith and Farran, 1858. 12mo, original blue printed paper wrappers. WITH: Photographic facsimile of the same title. Ormond Beach, Florida: The Doldrums, 1935. 12mo, original red and green cloth. Together, two volumes. $600.

First edition of this pamphlet, illustrated with three in-text woodcuts, one repeated on the cover of the original wrappers, with a contemporary presentation inscription, “W. Sh—-, Esq., With the Author’s Compliments.” Accompanied by a photographic facsimile published in 1935 by author George A. Zabriskie.

This slim pamphlet, supposedly a "Christmas legend," is in truth a temperance parable, as was much of Cruikshank's later work. Zabriskie's choice to reprint it as a 1935 Christmas gift to friends proves fascinating given that he was the author, among other books, of The Bon Vivant's Companion or How to Mix Drinks (1933). Cohn 774. Osborne I:391.

Light soiling to paper wrappers of the original pamphlet, tape repair to front inner paper hinge, rear wrapper expertly reattached. Photographic facsimile fine.