1895 The Water-Babies by Charles Kingsley | Decorative Floral Binding | Illustrated Victorian Fairy Tale

A charming 1895 edition of The Water-Babies: A Fairy Tale for a Land-Baby by Charles Kingsley, one of the enduring classics of Victorian children’s literature.

Bound in a beautifully decorative publisher’s binding featuring an embossed turquoise cloth spine with elaborate gilt floral ornamentation paired with floral pictorial paper-covered boards.

Originally published in 1863, The Water-Babies follows the adventures of Tom, a young chimney sweep who is transformed into a water-baby after a life-changing journey into the river. Blending fantasy, fairy tale, moral allegory, and natural history, Kingsley’s beloved story has captivated generations of readers with its imaginative underwater world and memorable illustrations.

The volume is illustrated throughout with charming black-and-white plates and includes a beautiful color frontispiece.

Condition: Very Good. The binding tight. The decorative spine retains attractive gilt detail, and the floral boards remain bright. The interior clean. Light wear to edges.

*There is one torn page (as shown in the photographs), which does not affect the binding or the remainder of the text. Aside from this, the volume presents beautifully.

Size: 4 3/4” x 6 3/4”

With its striking decorative binding, charming illustrations, and beloved Victorian story, this 1895 edition is a wonderful addition to any collection of antique children’s books or decorative library classics.