He has been called the ship of the desert... Uncle Herbert on Camels, 1880

{HISTORY}

Published in 1880 by J.B. Lippincott & Co., Feet & Wings or Among the Beasts & Birds by Uncle Herbert is a beautifully illustrated antique children's book about animals from all over the world. 

Combining physical descriptions, locations, characteristics, and behavioral information along with unique stories about each animal, this book is part field guide, part storybook, part art book, and all exotic adventure reading.

Uncle Herbert was the pen name for prolific  and popular American author and editor Timothy Shay Arthur (1809-1885). He was born in New York but spent the majority of his life in and around Philadelphia where he was part of the publishing and literary community and was an acquaintance of Edgar Allan Poe. The author and editor of over 200 story collections, non-fiction, novels, and literary periodicals, Timothy's work was often described as sentimental, comforting, and of moral character. 

Geared towards introducing children to the unique animals of the world, both domestic and wild, all the tantalizing creatures of life and literature appear here. Camels, bears, guinea pigs, horses, giraffes, sheep, dogs, cats, elephants, lions, eagles, cheetahs, butterflies, owls, plus many more can be found within its 176 pages,  along with beautiful drawings by a host of different 19th-century illustrators, including British nature artist Harrison Weir (1824-1906).  

Now a very rare, hard-to-find book, Feet & Wings is a great example of late 19th-century children's books and the language used to teach little ones about nature and its habits. Also, it's a rare find (and mention) among Timothy Shay Arthur's library of work as well as Harrison Weir's art portfolio.

With a decorated spine, decorated front and back coverboards, and beautifully aged pages, this book is a delight in both content and presentation.  It's also a lovely choice for parents who like to read to their kids as it is equally interesting for both age groups. 

Engraving of Harrison Weir (with beard) by R. Taylor. Portrait of Timothy Shay Arthur from The Literary History of Philadelphia by Ellis Paxson Oberholtzer

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Unstated first edition published in 1880 by J.B. Lippincott & Co.
• 176 pages
• Hardcover with decorated boards and spine
• Illustrated throughout

{CONDITION}

In lovely antique condition, this book is completely intact with no loose pages. The coverboards are bright in color, and the spine contains no fading or tanning. The top right corner of the front cover has been scuffed. Aged-related tanning of interior pages adds a beautiful antique aesthetic. All the illustrations remain crisp, clear, and bright. The spine is tight, and all pages are intact. 

{SIZE}

Measures 8.5" inches (left) x 7" inches (width) x .75" inches (thickness) and weighs 1.7 lbs.