A Book of Nonsense. New [2nd] Edition.

Lear, Edward. A Book of Nonsense by Derry Down Derry. London: Published by T. McLean, 26, Haymarket, 1855. SECOND EDITION. Oblong 8vo - 5-7/16" x 8-1/8". Original publisher's green cloth backed stiff gray paper wrappers; the front wrapper lithographed with drawing and 5 line limerick by Lear, along with publication information, with rubbing and light wear along the extremities for what is A BEAUTIFUL COPY OF THE BOOK. Illustrated book-plate of American author Carolyn Wells to inside front wrapper; illustrated book-plate of American bookseller Justin Schiller to same; FFE starting. [72] pp.; with 72 lithographed illustrations, each with a 5 line limerick caption; printed on rectos only.
This is a rare and beautiful copy of the second edition of Edward Lear's beloved nonsense limericks, the only other edition, along with the practically non-obtainable first edition, to be fully printed in lithograph. Both early editions are believed to have been printed in extremely small editions of between only 250-500 copies each (see Justin G. Schiller. Nonsensus: ..., 1988). The first trade edition (3rd edition) was published in 1861. It was in that edition that Edward Lear was first identified as the author of these books. Internally the book is bright and clean, with no foxing, smudges, stains or tears. The condition of the book is VERY GOOD +. Only eight copies located on OCLC/WorldCat. EXCEEDINGLY RARE IN SUCH NICE CONDITION AND IN THE ORIGINAL WRAPPERS.
Contained within a custom black morocco backed cloth over board slipcase, with titles stamped in gilt to spine, and cloth chemise with illustrated book-plate of Justin Schiller.
Provenance: from the collection of Carolyn Wells; from the collection of Justin G. Schiller # 001254