Dollie's dinner party

London: Dean & Son, [1895].

Octagonal shaped Victorian juvenile nursery book with full colour illustrations. The book is die-cut in the shape of an octagon willow pattern plate and string-bound with a vertical crease at the centre which serves as the book's spine. When opened out flat the book shows colour illustrated leaves, each with accompanying lines of text. 32 pages including covers and both sides of the leaves. A chip near top of spine and light soiling to covers, illustrations exceptionally bright and clean, free of scribbles and dirty paw prints. One inch split to front and back cover at bottom of spine, general signs of handling and wear. Number 3 in Dean's "All the year round series". Publisher's advertisement on cover reads "Only gold medal ever awarded for children's picture toy books". Contemporary inked gift inscription on first page, "To dear Allie, with love from Auntie Mercy & Uncle Bill, wishing you a very happy Birthday, Oct 6th 1895". A rare survivor and lovely piece of juvenile Victorian ephemera.