(Cruikshank, George) illustrator. HOP-O'MY-THUMB AND THE SEVEN-LEAGUE BOOTS (GEORGE CRUIKSHANK'S FAIRY LIBRARY NO. 1) INSCRIBED BY CRUIKSHANK IN THE YEAR OF PUBLICATION; edited and illustrated with six etchings by George Cruikshank. London: David Bogue, 86 Fleet Street, [1853]. FIRST EDITION. 12mo - 6-15/16" x 5-5/16". Original pale green pictorial wrappers with titles and decoration printed in black to front wrapper and publisher's advertisement printed in black to back wrapper reading, "Preparing for publication / Jack and the Bean Stalk," with only a hint of wear for what is a bright and clean copy of the book that is nothing short of stunning. [1-3], 4-30, [1] ("List of Illustrations") pp., plus [6] leaves of plates. This is the first in George Cruikshank's famous "Fairy Library" series of books, illustrated by Cruikshank with six charming etchings which are considered by many critics to be the finest work ever done by him; internally bright and clean with just a hint of very occasional foxing. A PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY CRUIKSHANK on the front flyleaf: "Alex. Wm. Chrichton, Esq. / With the compliments of / George Cruikshank / and a hope to be / more intimately acquainted / July 19, 1853." The condition of the book is FINE. THE ULTIMATE COPY. Note: Book is housed in a collector's blue cloth chemise and quarter blue crushed levant morocco over blue cloth slipcase with titles stamped in gilt to spine; gilt lettered blue book label of Estelle Doheny to inside flap of chemise. #001053