1886 The Water-Babies | Charles Kingsley | Bickers & Son Fine Prize Binding | Illustrated; Linley Sambourne

A beautiful Victorian fine binding of Charles Kingsley’s beloved classic The Water-Babies: A Fairy Tale for a Land-Baby, published by Macmillan in 1886 and elegantly bound by the renowned London binders Bickers & Son.

Bound in rich brown polished calf, the volume features an exquisitely gilt-decorated spine with floral tools, raised bands, gilt lettering, and delicate gilt compartments. The binding is further enhanced by gilt dentelle turn-ins, marbled endpapers, and marbled page edges.

Beautifully illustrated with 100 drawings by Linley Sambourne (1844–1910), one of Britain’s most accomplished Victorian illustrators and a longtime artist for Punch magazine.

This edition remains one of the most attractive Victorian printings of Kingsley’s enduring fantasy. Originally published in 1863, The Water-Babies follows young chimney sweep Tom on a fantastical journey of redemption and discovery beneath the water’s surface, blending fairy tale, natural history, social commentary, and Victorian imagination.

Condition: Very Good +

Binding firm and attractive with minor light rubbing and a few superficial marks to the boards along with some light sun-fading consistent with age. Corners show very modest wear. Spine is bright with crisp gilt decoration and raised bands. Beautiful gilt dentelle turn-ins, marbled endpapers, and marbled page edges. Interior pages clean with minor scattered foxing in prelims only. March 1894 prize inscription to the front free endpaper which adds provenance. Illustrated throughout with 100 illustrations by Linley Sambourne. 371 pages.

Size: ~7” x 8 1/2”

A handsome example of Victorian bookbinding; an excellent addition to a fine binding collection or an elegant library.