THE SNOW-IMAGE: A Childish Miracle.
With Illustrations by Marcus Waterman. New York: James G. Gregory, 1864. Original green cloth, beveled, stamped in gilt. First Separate Edition of the tale "The Snow-Image," and also the first illustrated edition. The story was first published in 1852, in THE SNOW-IMAGE AND OTHER TWICE-TOLD TALES. A sister and brother named Violet and Peony (yes, Peony) build a snow-girl who, after a kiss from said Peony, magically comes to life; however their unimaginative father insists that if she's real, she should be brought into the house -- with predictable results. This book is a handsome production, with illustrations printed in brown, blue and red.
Though not noted in the Clark bibliography, this copy does not have the stereotyper's imprint on the title verso -- perhaps a later issue; two years later (1866), this was reissued both by Hurd & Houghton of New York and by Dutton of Boston. This copy is in green cloth, one of several used without priority. Condition is near- fine, with slight wear at the spine ends and occasional light foxing within; there is a New Year's 1865 presentation inscription "for Mary". Clark A19.4. Item #15622
Price: $225.00