BENNETT, Charles. Shadows. [London]: D. Bogue [1857]. 12mo, 25 numbered leaves. Dark green leather stamped in gilt with beveled spine; a.e.g. Marbled endpapers; 25 hand-colored plates. Spine a tad sunned, some foxing throughout, else an attractive copy of this scarce book.

 

First edition. The first collected book of this witty, Victorian illustrator’s Shadows series for children in which seemingly proper Victorian people’s true nature is revealed in their shadow’s form. Bennett had first explored the concept in illustrations for The Illustrated Times, but this bound collection of hand-colored lithographs was the first appearance of these incredibly popular illustrations in book form. Charles Bennett’s sharp wit and dazzling imagination is on clear display in these magnificent lithographs!