Mary Kirby; Elizabeth Kirby — Stories from the Classics Adapted for the Young

London, Thomas Bosworth, 1854. First edition. Leather. A leather bound copy containing Ancient Greek myths for children, written and illustrated by Elizabeth and Mary Kirby. Very scarce first edition.Bound in quarter-morocco on cloth boards. Illustrations include a title page vignette engraving as well as three illustrated plates throughout text, all drawn by the authors. This is a lovely collection of mythical stories from Ancient Greece, 'adapted for the young' by the Kirby sisters. This work contains stories on a range of figures, including 'Ceres and Proserpine', 'Cupid and Psyche', and 'The Shield of Achilles&apos. Elizabeth (1823-1873) and Mary Kirby (1817-1893) were a literary duo who wrote and illustrated a range of successful books, mostly on natural science.  Mary was one of the first British women to successfully publish a scientific study of flora within Great Britain. With an ink inscription to the verso of the front endpaper belonging to Eunice M. How. Collated, complete. Bound in quarter-morocco on cloth boards. Externally, smart. Minimal bumping to the extremities with a bit of wear to the spine, particularly along the front joint. Very light fading and discolouration to boards. internally, firmly bound. Pages are very clean throughout, with light age-toning to margins. Very Good . Ill.: Mary Kirby; Elizabeth Kirby. Very Good .