Metamorphosis; or, a Transformation of Pictures, with Poetical Explanations, for the Amusement of Young Persons

Published by Sold by Samuel Wood and Sons . Printed by Joseph Rakestraw, Philadelphia, New York, 1816

Item image 1 of 4.
Heritage seller

Seller: James Cummins Bookseller, ABAA, New York, NY, U.S.A.James Cummins Bookseller, ABAA

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since May 29, 1998

Association member: ABAAILAB

View this seller's items

Condition: Used

£ 1,338.09

£ 8.91 shipping 
Ships within U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

Wood cut illustrations by James Poupard. Folded sheet, printed recto and verso, with movable flaps. 1 vols. 12mo. "Published at a time when children's literature was still almost entirely moral and instructional in content, the earliest movable books helped usher in an era of more entertaining literary fare . Stories about Harlequin and other popular characters from plays were reproduced as turn-up booklets until more elaborate toy theatre publications became available. They were made of a single sheet of paper folded vertically into four sections, with slits cut along the tops and bottom of the fold to create flaps. When closed, the flaps illustrated one scene; by lifting one flap after another the reader could enjoy a surprise 'unfolding' of the story" (McGrath). Benjamin Sands's Metamorphosis or, A Transformation of Pictures with Poetical Explanations, first published in 1787, quickly became the most popular form of this work, with Welch recording nearly forty editions published to 1820. The work depicts Adam transforming into Eve as a mermaid; a lion transforming into an eagle; a man becoming rich; and the rich man falling ill and dying. Each image is accompanied by moralistic verse telling the tale, beginning "Adam comes first upon the stage." Sands's delightful Metamorphosis was a popular children's toy book well into the middle of the 19th century; however all editions are rare, and complete copies such as this one are seldom seen. Poupard, the engraver, worked in Philadelphia from 1769 to 1807. Shaw 38871; Welch 1163.33; McGarth, This Magical Book p. 9 Self-wrappers, early restitching along the folds, minor later tape repair. Usual foxing and staining. Housed in a later marbled slipcase Wood cut illustrations by James Poupard. Folded sheet, printed recto and verso, with movable flaps. 1 vols. 12mo.

Seller Inventory # 377851

Bibliographic details

Title
Metamorphosis; or, a Transformation of Pictures, with Poetical Explanations, for the Amusement of Young Persons
Author
[Sands, Benjamin]
Publisher
Sold by Samuel Wood and Sons . Printed by Joseph Rakestraw, Philadelphia, New York
Publication year
1816
Seller catalogs
Americana, Literature

James Cummins Bookseller, ABAA

New York, NY, U.S.A.

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since May 29, 1998

Association member:

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Item6 to 10 business days3 to 6 business days
First item£ 8.91£ 11.14
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Bank Draft
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Money Order

Store description

Antiquarian and Rare Books, Manuscripts, Autographs, Art

Specialty

Literature, Fine Printing, Sets And Bindings, Illustrated Books, Sporting, Color Plate

Association member

  • Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America
  • International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

James Cummins Bookseller, ABAA

James Cummins Bookseller, 699 Madison Avenue, 7th. Floor
New York, NY U.S.A. 10065