Mars [Maurice de Bonvoisin] — Friends & Playmates

London, George Routledge and Sons, 1888 . First edition. Cloth. Beautifully illustrated throughout in colour, present here is the very scarce first UK edition of Mars's children's work. A very scarce first UK edition.A charming collection of vibrantly illustrated vignettes depicting children and their animals, including kittens, elephants, various dog breeds, and chickens.The work of Belgian artist and illustrator Maurice de Bonvoisin, who used the name 'Mars&apos. This work was first published in French the year prior as 'Compères & Compagnons&apos.Dated 1888 via the British Library.Based on the style of Mars's illustrations in this volume, it is believed that the intent was to emulate Kate Greenaway, who was enormously popular at the time. In the publisher's original cloth backed pictorial paper covered boards. Bumping to back strip head and tail, with significant handling marks and rubbing to boards, most concentrated to perimeters. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Very Good . Ill.: Mars [Maurice de Bonvoisin]. Very Good .