Description
Scarce 1921 hardcover of The Meadow Folk’s Story Hour by Prudence Gruelle (Blanche Silver), published by The Gregg Publishing Company and illustrated by Nell Hatt. Prudence Gruelle was the sister of Johnny Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy, giving this charming children’s book an important connection to the celebrated Gruelle family.
Created as a supplementary reader for early grammar grades, the book presents imaginative nature stories featuring frogs, crickets, bumble bees, caterpillars, turtles, mice, fish, and other colorful “meadow folk.” The publisher’s preface states that the volume contains 36 illustrations in color, with delightful early 20th-century artwork throughout.
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Copyright 1921 by The Gregg Publishing Company
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Written by Prudence Gruelle, also credited as Blanche Silver
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Illustrated by Nell Hatt
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Strong Gruelle / Raggedy Ann collecting connection
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Original cloth binding with fishing-child cover illustration
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Numerous charming anthropomorphic animal illustrations
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Blank endpapers with no ownership inscription visible
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Boards remain attached and rear hinge is intact
Condition is Good antique condition overall. The cloth binding shows age-related rubbing, scattered spotting and soiling, corner wear, and wear/fraying at the spine ends. Some interior pages show light moisture discoloration near the lower margins. The printing remains crisp and the illustrated pages retain excellent visual appeal.
An uncommon early children’s reader with crossover appeal to collectors of Prudence and Johnny Gruelle, Raggedy Ann history, antique illustrated children’s books, vintage educational readers, and anthropomorphic animal artwork.
Please view all the photos carefully for condition and the many wonderful interior illustrations.
