William Canton — The Invisible Playmate & W.V. Her Book

London, Isbister & Co. Ltd. 1897. First edition. Cloth. A charming uncommon first edition copy of poetry and prose by the notable children's writer William Canton, written for his daughter Winifred Vida. Illustrated with two plates by the notable English painter and book illustrator, Charles Edmund Brock. Brock began his career studying art under the sculptor Henry Wiles, but received his first book commission in 1890 at the age of twenty. He swiftly became very successful, best known for his 'line work', and illustrated books for authors such as Jonathan Swift, William Thackeray, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and George Eliot. Brock also contributed pieces to several magazines such as 'The Quiver', 'The Strand', and 'Pearsons&apos. A tender collection of poetry and stories written by Canton about his daughter Winifred Vida, or W.V. who passed away suddenly at the age of ten in 1901. Whilst Canton previously published extensive articles and poems throughout his early life, his output almost ceased after the death of his daughter. In a cloth binding with gilt titling to front board and spine. Externally, generally smart. Bumping to extremities and head and tail of spine. Slight rubbing to rear joint. Slight marking to gutter of front board. Creasing to lower extremity, front board. Offsetting to endpapers. Rear hinge slightly strained but firm. Faint tidemark to gutter, rear endpapers. Prior owner's pencil inscription to front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean throughout with the odd spot and handling mark. Very Good . Ill.: C. E. Brook. Very Good .