Laughable stories for children, published in Chicago in 1899 — a rare survivor of the Victorian children's book trade.
W. B. Conkey Company was a prolific Chicago publisher of the late 19th century, known for its oversized, beautifully produced children's gift books. Mischief and Play is exactly that — a large-format treasury of children's stories with black-and-white engraved illustrations throughout and a gorgeous gilded, color-illustrated front board. These books were meant to delight and to last; that this one has survived 127 years is a testament to both.
For the antiquarian book collector, the Victorian children's literature enthusiast, or anyone drawn to the gorgeous production values of Gilded Age publishing.
Title: Mischief and Play — Laughable Stories
Publisher: W. B. Conkey Company, Chicago | Copyright: 1899
Format: Hardcover | Weight: Nearly 2 lbs.
Dimensions: 7.5" × 10.25"
Condition: Antique / Used — Fair. Cloth spine faded and very worn. Heavy cover wear. Pages very yellowed with age; slight odor (no mold or mildew). Pencil writing on first page only; no other writing or torn pages. All sales final.
