Hymns Infant Minds 1820 Taylor Greenfield woodcut juvenile book Rosenbach #594

(Old Books, 19th Century Books, Americana, Children's Books, Illustrated Books, Chap Books, Woodcut Illustrations).

Hymns for Infant Minds.
Published 1820, Greenfield, Massachusetts by Denio & Phelps. [Second Edition].
72 pages (35 printed leaves + rear blank leaf, covers). Text in English. Wood engraved frontis and front cover (repeated on p. 33).

Publisher's pictorial paper wrappers, spine neatly hand sewn using thread (done by an early owner). Early owner's inscription on title page: Sarah Burke, Andover, 1838.

Scarce pre 1850 juvenile American chap book. An early owner has carefully used thread to stitch the spine in a manner frequently seen on small chap books of this vintage. This early hand repair adds a particular charm to the item.

Book is over 150 years old and shows some signs of handling and time. Item is not new or in "new" condition.

Binding age worn, spine repaired long ago with paper, typical signs of handling from young hands, but nothing offensive or severe, remains overall attractive as an object.

Paper is gently toned, various typical small spots, stains, etc., still sound and agreeable given the small size, fragile nature, date and intended audience.

Still attractive on the shelf, it displays a pleasing and unique age patina, any age flaws easy to overlook or forgive. 

Please review photos for more detail showing how this rare little item survives. The asking price reflects the condition based on our examination and 35+ years full time exposure to antiquarian books and ephemera of all types. Flaws seen and described have been taken into account.

Book Measures c. 5 1/4" H x 3" W.

[B4523].

71 pages (36 leaves, complete). Text in English. Illustrated throughout with 13 small oval woodcuts.

Publisher's plain paper wrappers. Rare early American juvenile not noted by Rosenbach or Welch, only diff. versions in variant imprints, not this one.

Rosenbach, Early American Children's Books, see 594 (collation provided for Catskill imprint, cover description as does description of contents slightly varies).

Welch, Bibliography of early American Children's Books Prior to 1821, 438.30 (variant Babcock edition with only apparently with 3 woodcuts by Anderson).

Shoemaker, American Imprints, 3395 (noting variant editions but this Greenfield edition not noted by them).