Manuscript. An illustrated book of limericks, circa 1865, 32pp., each with large illustration and limerick beneath in brown ink, some spotting and marks, paper watermarked ‘T & J H 1865’, sheet size 14 x 23cm (5.5 x 9ins), stitching broken and page block loose in original lilac wrappers, worn and frayed, gilt title within volute border to upper cover, slim oblong 8vo

Probably drawn by an older girl or young lady, the limericks and their illustrations appear to be original works rather than copies, though no doubt inspired by Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense first published in 1846, for example: ‘There was a young girl of Avignon, who wore a tremendous big chignon/When they cried, “That’s too big!” She exclaimed “O my wig!”/They all wear them this size at Avignon’, and ‘There was a young lady from Bruges, who adorned herself largely with rouge/But they said, Don’t you fear, twill be set down to beer/Which affronted that lady of Bruges”.

Here for another early limerick manuscript.

To be sold at The Saleroom, Modern Literature & First Editions, Children’s & Illustrated Books, Autographs of the Arts.