Czech Children’s Book \"A Forest Story,\" In English, HC, Amazing Illustrations For Sale

Czech Children’s Book, \"A Forest Story\" Transl. To English. HC Amazing Illustrations, 1929

First English Edition

This has to be the most amazing children’s book I’ve ever picked up. It seems certain that the story, authored by Josef Kozicek, was first published in Czechoslovakia and later republished in English by the MacMillan Company (but still printed in Czechoslovakia). It’s 58 pages, hardcover,10 3/4 x 8 3/4. The binding is solid but there is a little bit of bubbling on the front cover and evidence of wear around the edges. Given its age it’s in good shape. It’s remarkable in a number of ways, in addition to those traditional, distinctive Czech colors (two of my grandparents came from Czechoslovakia). First, maybe half of the pages are illustrated with stunning lithographic paintings in four color. Photos show some of these amazingly bright, crisp, beautifully done illustrations. The end papers front and back are also printed. It’s printed on extremely heavy paper, no doubt part of the reason it’s survived near a hundred years. It’s also a charming animal-centered story. I’ve never seen anything like it.