The Animal Story Book

5C edited by Andrew Lang, numerous illustrations by H. J. Ford, London: Longmans, Green, and Co. 1896. First edition.

Notes

The Animal Story Book edited by Andrew Lang was first published in 1896 as part of Lang's famous series of colored fairy tale collections. Lang, a Scottish author, poet, and scholar, is best known for compiling various folk tales and stories from different cultures into accessible volumes for children, and the Animal Story Book is one of those collections.

The book itself is a compilation of stories centered around animals, drawing from various global traditions. It features a variety of tales where animals are the main characters, often imbued with human-like qualities or playing essential roles in the narrative. The stories in this book reflect themes of wisdom, courage, trickery, and morality, much like many of the traditional fables and folktales Lang sought to preserve and share.

The Animal Story Book includes both well-known animal fables (like Aesop's fables) and other lesser-known stories. Andrew Lang's keen editorial hand brought together stories from various cultures, with a particular focus on animals as protagonists or important characters, showcasing their qualities in a way that teaches readers about virtues and human nature.

As with many of Lang's collections, the Animal Story Book was illustrated, with vivid pictures that added to its appeal for younger readers, making it both an educational and entertaining read. It remains a classic example of Victorian-era storytelling aimed at children, reflecting the period's fascination with folklore and moral lessons wrapped in enchanting tales.

Description

Green canvas boards with three quarter green leather. Five raised bands with gilt embossed animals in each compartment except the second and third which showcases gilt lettering. Marbled endpapers. Many illustrations throughout. Some sun fading to the spine, otherwise pristine condition.