Jack & the Beanstalk

ANDRE, R. Jack & the Beanstalk. NY: McLoughlin Brothers, (ca. 1890). 8vo, [12]pp. Color pictorial stiff paper wrappers. 6 color illustrations. A untrimmed copy with some wear to edges, 1” x ¾“ chip at lower right corner of front cover, slight soiling to wrappers, minute traces of internal foxing, else a surprisingly clean copy of this picture book printed on linen.

Early linen paper edition, possibly salesman’s proof with edges untrimmed. A wonderful late Victorian picture book adaptation of the beloved tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, printed on linen sheets and illustrated by R. Andre. Born William Roger Snow, the artist originally used the pseudonym Clifford Merson after deserting both the British Army and his wife at the same time as to remain unidentified. After securing a divorce, he reinvented himself as R. Andre and began a professional association with the children’s author, Juliana Ewing, which lasted until her death. His career then flourished, and he went on to illustrate a number of picture books, including this one.