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An unusually Near-Fine copy of this scarce slim hardback (small octavo) storybook for young people 'Ninepenny Series', published in 1887 so presumed First Edition. Beautifully illustrated front cover, impressed in green, orange and black on green cloth. Decorated end-papers with neat regular attendance presentation label to Pelham Atkinson (Kingston upon Hull). 'Travelling in the Himalayas' engraved frontispiece and Indian lady to title page. Very interesting 16pp. RTS Book Catalogue to rear which is of bibliographic importance to the history of this prolific world-wide publishing house. Overall condition is near-fine, as clean throughout, with bright, tight and square binding. Eight chapters tell the story of Major Montgomery (British Army), his late wife Nellie (both of 'Brearly Grange, Devonshire), baby Gracie and young Archie their children. Mirza Lal is the 'follower' to Archie but it is Lola, the Indian 'ayah' (domestic child carer), who turns out to be the heroine and who, in part of a significant plot twist, uses 'ukroot juice' to colour the children's skin during civil unrest - just one of the many unusual and enlightened events (and stereotypes) in this well written story of love, duty and adventure. A story fit for a Prince? 20% price reduction now applied. Seller Inventory # 001089
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