The Milk-Maid – An Old Song Illustrated by Randolph Caldecott c. 1879–1885

The Milk-Maid – An Old Song Illustrated by Randolph Caldecott (c. 1879–1885, Early Routledge Edition)

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A delightful early Victorian children’s picture book from the celebrated illustrator Randolph Caldecott (1846–1886), whose work helped to define the modern picture book. The Milk-Maid: An Old Song was first published by George Routledge & Sons in 1879, with colour printing by the master printer Edmund Evans.

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This copy is an early Routledge issue (c. 1879–1885), identifiable by its thread-sewn binding rather than the later staple-bound reprints. The book retains all its lively colour illustrations and line drawings, many bearing Caldecott’s discreet “RCA” initials worked into the designs.

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Sadly, the original pictorial paper wrappers are no longer present, leaving the sewn text block with its title leaf and final illustration intact. The pages show age-related wear, with handling marks, small tears, and toning consistent with its Victorian age, but remain complete and legible.

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Caldecott’s Toy Books were enormously popular in their time and are still highly collectible today. They inspired the naming of the Caldecott Medal, awarded annually to the best American picture book.

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Size: approx. 25cm x 22cm (when closed)

Binding: Thread sewn, no wrappers present

Publisher: George Routledge & Sons (London), c. 1879–1885

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A rare survivor of an early Routledge edition of Caldecott’s The Milk-Maid. Despite the loss of its wrappers, it remains a charming and important example of Victorian children’s illustration.