Loving and Giving
London: National Society / SPCK, [1948]. Quarto (10 inches tall), original pictorial paper boards, red cloth spine, uncut. Offsetting to blank flyleaves, gentle bumping to corners. A beautiful copy. Item #1869
"THE CHURCH IS CALLED CATHOLIC BECAUSE IT IS MEANT FOR ALL PEOPLE, IN ALL PLACES, AND AT ALL TIMES"
First edition of this illustrated Treasury of Christian Instruction for Young Children starting "on the exciting business of learning the Faith." A clean and unmarked copy, increasingly scarce in this condition.
With a title taken from an English nursery rhyme ("Friday's Child is Loving and Giving") the book was tenderly written by Clare Dawson and illustrated with her distinctive mix of text decorations and full-page plates on every page. Dawson's Introduction (dated, "St. Clare. 1947. C.D.") advises her young readers: "This is a very small book, so it doesn't tell you 'all about the Christian religion.' It doesn't tell you 'all' about even one little bit of it; but if you read it carefully you will have made a start on the exciting business of learning the Faith."
The harmony of text and illustration engages small children directly, placing them in the company of the Holy Family, and creating an intimate initiation into the Life of the Church. Each of the charming participatory sections are still blank, making this copy suitable as a wonderful gift. Without the very scarce original dust jacket. Printed in Holland by L. Van Leer & Company of London and Amsterdam.
Price: $200.00